Ireland tightens immigration rules to check population growth

As ministers claim that the rapid growth of the population and the rise in asylum seekers are putting a lot of pressure on housing and the government, Ireland has announced new measures to tighten its immigration and asylum laws.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan on Wednesday announced the reforms, calling for them to address a “worryingly” high rate of population growth and a rise in asylum applications.

According to O’Callaghan, “our population increased by 1.6 percent last year, seven times the average for the EU.” The rate is concerning, but it is positive that it is rising.

In April 2025, Ireland’s population was estimated to be 5.46 million.

According to the Ministry of Finance, net migration has nearly doubled since 2022, reaching a maximum of 72,000 annually, which is driven largely by work-permit applications, family reunions, and the arrival of Ukrainian refugees.

Asylum claims have increased significantly. In 2024, the highest number on record, 18, 651 people sought protection, up from 13, 276 the year before.

Recent riots and protests have been fueled by rage over the rising demand for asylum.

In southwest Dublin, at least 1, 000 anti-immigration protesters clashed with police last month after it was reported that a child had been sexually assaulted on the grounds of a hotel that house asylum applicants.

tougher laws

One of Ireland’s most significant migration reforms in years was approved by the cabinet on Wednesday.

They include requiring job-related asylum seekers to make financial contributions to the costs of state housing, raising the median income for family reunification, and imposing stricter immigration standards on refugees.

According to O’Callaghan, employed asylum seekers will now be required to pay accommodation costs of about 7,500 people’s weekly incomes of 10 to 40% of their income.

Requirements for family reunification applicants: bringing relatives from outside the European Economic Area who work for at least the median wage, which is currently $44,000 ($49,997), and who have appropriate housing.

In the interim, refugees’ citizenship requirements will become stricter. Long-term recipients of some social welfare benefits will not be eligible for the new residency requirement, which will increase from three to five years.

According to O’Callaghan, the government will also be able to revoke a person’s asylum status if it is determined that they pose a “danger to the state’s security” or have committed a serious crime.

Although these circumstances are uncommon, he said, “It is crucial that these powers be established by law.”

He added that in response to concerns that some educational pathways are being abused for long-term residency, the government was also considering restrictions on student visas.

The new regulations are in line with the UK’s recently implemented comprehensive asylum law, which has gained support from the far-right Reform party as a result.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin stated earlier this week that his administration should take into account the effects of the UK reforms on migration flows into Ireland.

According to him, “There are knock-on effects for us from what other people do,” which is the reality we must be prepared for.