Ireland Increases Asylum Return Grant to €10,000

The government signed an order increasing the voluntary return grant — described as a “reintegration allowance” — to €2,500 per person and up to €10,000 per family for asylum seekers who applied before 28 September, with lower rates for those in the appeals process and exclusions for serious criminals. The Department of Justice and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe say the change is a voluntary, cost-saving alternative to deportation and applies to people without legal status who withdraw claims or whose claims have been refused. Officials point to a rise in voluntary returns, saying 1,159 people left by Sept. 19, a 129% increase year‑on‑year. Critics including the Irish Refugee Council and CEO Nick Henderson warn the payments risk coercing people to abandon protection claims and improperly influence decision‑making, prompting debate about fairness and safeguards in the asylum system.