EU+ countries received some 107,300 asylum applications in November 2022, a new high since 2016 and the third consecutive month with around 100,000 applications. Ireland is not alone in receiving an increase in applications.
The Economic and Social Research Institute published research in November 2022 which identified the following as a factor:
Post-COVID-19 catch-up, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and conditions in countries of origin
Research identifies that for many of the top nationalities applying for international protection in Ireland (including Somali, Afghan, Ukrainian, Egyptian and Georgian), conditions and conflict in countries of origin are important drivers. Applications from these nationalities are increasing not only in Ireland, but across Europe.
Movement of refugees from other EU Member States to Ireland also appears to be playing a role in Ireland’s increase, although it is difficult to draw concrete conclusions because the available data is limited. Reasons may include reuniting with family, living conditions in the first EU Member States, as well as limited possibilities for intra-EU mobility.
Policy changes in the UK were unlikely to have had a significant effect on recent application figures in Ireland. However, there may be a small deflection effect for certain nationalities (e.g., South African and Zimbabwean), whereby instead of going to the UK, applicants come to Ireland. Applications from other nationalities are on the rise generally in the UK.
While a generally positive perception of Ireland was also found to be a potential factor, the research concluded that it was highly unlikely that specific integration or reception policies in Ireland were influencing applications.
Results from the confluence of short-term and likely temporary drivers increasing absolute numbers, with potentially longer-term drivers changing distribution patterns.