Number of applications for refugee status drops by a dramatic 30%

THERE were 2,689 applications for refugee status received by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) last year — a 30% decrease on 2008 figures.

Refugee Applications Commissioner, David Costello said last year’s fall in applications was in contrast with an increase recorded in other EU countries.

The ORAC’s ninth annual report also shows applications received last year averaged 224 per month — the lowest annual total since 1997.