Issue Date: 01/03/2026
Yesterday, Saturday 28th February 2026, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) of An Garda Síochána carried out an operation removing individuals from the State on foot of Deportation Orders issued by the Minister for Justice.
This operation resulted in the removal of 63 South African nationals - 28 adult males, 26 adult females and 9 juveniles.
The juveniles removed were all part of family groups.
All individuals were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin yesterday afternoon for South Africa, arriving this morning, Sunday 1st March 2026.
Ten of the individuals removed from the state had been convicted of offences in this jurisdiction, and their removal supports ongoing operations by An Garda Síochána nationwide including:
- Operation Moonridge; targeting sex offenders, domestic violence offenders, for offences including rape, sexual assault, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
- Operation Tara; targeting drug networks involved in sale, supply, importation and cultivation of controlled drugs
- Road safety; multiple convictions for road traffic offences including dangerous driving, driving while intoxicated and no insurance
An Garda Síochána continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy and the Irish Prison Service in the implementation of these operations.
