Ireland has deported over 40 South African nationals living illegally in the country. The group included nine men, 18 women, and 15 children.
A chartered flight carried them from Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon. They touched down in Johannesburg the following morning.
Two members of the deportation group had criminal convictions in Ireland, according to The Irish Times. Children traveled as part of their family units.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan defended the action in recent remarks. He stressed that most South Africans in Ireland reside there lawfully.
Ireland's immigration system must stay "rules-based and robust," O'Callaghan noted. Deportations are necessary to keep the framework working properly, he added.
Such enforcement actions also protect public trust in immigration law, according to the minister. The government views them as essential to system integrity.
South Africa has meanwhile set June 30 as a deadline for illegal migrants. Officials there claim many foreigners are breaking residency laws.
Job competition has fueled tensions in the country, authorities say. South Africans contend that illegal immigrants are taking employment opportunities.
The timing reflects broader migration pressures across both nations. Each country is tightening control over undocumented residents.
