Asylum-seekers from five countries will face speedier processing of their applications, and speedier deportation when their applications are unsuccessful, from tomorrow. The speedier processing of applications from certain specified countries was part of the recently enacted Immigration Act.
New arrangements are coming into force for asylum-seekers from Nigeria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and South Africa, deemed to be safe countries by the Department of Justice. Ninety-four per cent of asylum applications from these countries are rejected, including those where the applicants have appealed the initial decision.
Asylum-seekers will also have to live in designated accommodation, which the Department of Justice is not describing as "holding centres", while their applications are receiving fast-track attention.
One such centre, already available, is located on the north side of Dublin, and another, which will come into operation in February, is located on the south side. Failure to comply with residency and daily reporting requirements constitutes an arrestable offence, and may result in the imposition of penalties.
The faster processing will mean that their applications, to the Office of Refugee Applications, will be processed within three weeks. Appeals will also be determined within a matter of weeks.
Non-co-operation with the investigation of asylum applications could result in the refusal of refugee status.