Numbers seeking asylum fall in 2005
30/12/2005 - 17:17:34The Department of Justice has released new figures showing a fall in the numbers seeking asylum in Ireland this year.
The preliminary figures for 2005 show that 4,323 asylum applications were received by the Department, which is down over 400 on 2004, and 63% less than in 2002.
The top five countries of origin for asylum seekers are Nigeria, Romania, Somalia, Sudan and Iran.
The Department of Justice said the application procedure has also been overhauled, with applicants being interviewed within 20 days of applying.
Up to 393 deportation orders were made this year, with six charter plane operations taking place, four to Nigeria, and two to Romania and Moldova.
