The number of migrants applying for assistance for the voluntary return of migrants from Ireland nearly doubled last year, with the state spending over €1.6 million to help individuals return to their home countries.
- More than 2,300 people applied for return assistance last year, up from 1,249 in 2024.
- The state spent €1.61 million on the scheme last year, including flights, accommodation, and reintegration grants.
- Georgian citizens represented over 20% of all applications.
Funding and Reintegration Grants
Total spending on voluntary returns last year amounted to €1.61 million. This total included €916,000 for flights and accommodation and nearly €695,000 allocated for grants.
Reintegration grants range from €1,200 for individuals to €10,000 for families to assist with re-establishing themselves in their home countries. These funds are typically provided via a pre-paid debit card upon leaving the state for immediate use.
In 2024, spending on the scheme was lower, totaling €1.06 million, which comprised €779,000 for airfares and accommodation and €285,000 in grants. Over the past two years, a total of €684,000 was paid to individuals and €295,000 to families.
Application Data and Demographics
In 2025, 2,315 people requested assistance to return home. Citizens of Georgia accounted for more than 20% of these applications, with 526 Georgian nationals applying.
Other significant numbers of applicants included 420 Brazilians, 342 citizens of Jordan, and 107 people from Nigeria. Additionally, applications were made by 61 people from Palestine, 38 from the United States, 12 from Russia, nine from Israel, and five from Canada.
The vast majority of applications are approved. Last year, 40 people were deemed ineligible for the scheme, compared to 26 individuals in 2024.
Policy and Implementation
A spokesman for the Department of Justice stated that voluntary return is the “preferred option” and is more cost-effective for the taxpayer than other methods.
The scheme is available only once per person. Unlike deportation, the voluntary return process allows individuals the possibility of returning to Ireland at a future date.
The Department noted that since financial reintegration assistance is provided after a person has departed the state, some participants may not pursue the grants immediately or at all, meaning reported figures are subject to future change.
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