Accelerated Processing for International Protection Applications from Additional “Safe Countries”
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is set to propose adding five more countries to Ireland’s list of “safe countries”, allowing for accelerated processing of international protection applications. The names of these countries have not been disclosed yet.
Being designated as a “safe country” does not prohibit individuals from applying for international protection, but it does require them to demonstrate a valid reason for seeking asylum. This process ensures that applicants from these countries have their cases considered and decisions made within 90 days.
The current list includes ten countries, with additions like Algeria and Botswana resulting in a significant decrease in applications. Nigeria, Georgia, and Algeria have been the top three sources of applications, with Nigeria alone accounting for 6,230 applications.
The Department of Justice’s accelerated processing measures have proven effective in managing the influx of applications from these countries, leading to a more efficient and streamlined process.