Hundreds face deportation in 'chilling' refugee policy change

Taoiseach Micheál Martin claimed the measure is 'wise' as up to five times more refugees are coming to Ireland this year compared to previous years

Senior Government sources say that while the number of people affected at present is small, it is accepted that this move will have a “sufficient chilling effect” to deter large number of migrants from coming to Ireland.

Hundreds of migrants who have had their visa applications refused are to be deported in the coming weeks following the Government's hardening of its immigration policy.

On foot of the suspension of the visa waiver for migrants from 20 safe countries, migrants still seeking to come to Ireland under the International Protection programme now face delays of between 8 and 14 weeks before they can arrive here.