According to new figures from Ireland’s Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Nigeria has become the top source of asylum seekers in the country. The department’s August report revealed that Ireland received 1,164 new asylum applications in July 2025, a significant decline from the 1,735 applications received in July 2024. Despite this sharp year-on-year drop, Nigeria’s application numbers remained the highest, underscoring a persistent trend.
The report, which details figures from January to July 2025, showed a total of 7,207 applications, marking a 42% decrease compared to the 12,236 applications filed during the same period the previous year. Nigeria led the list with 1,083 applications, followed by Pakistan, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Georgia. The data highlights a shifting landscape in asylum applications, with Nigeria at the forefront despite a general downturn in total requests.
The Department of Justice also noted significant progress in reducing the backlog of pending asylum claims. At the end of September 2024, there were 23,863 pending cases at the International Protection Office (IPO). By July 2025, that number had dropped to 18,323, signaling increased efficiency in the processing system. This reduction is also attributed to a rise in resolved cases, with 1,755 applications concluded in July 2025, compared to 1,294 in the same month of the previous year.
However, the report also acknowledges the ongoing challenges within the system. Despite the decrease in overall numbers, a recent High Court ruling affirmed the state’s obligation to provide basic needs, including accommodation, to international protection applicants. The Irish Refugee Council has called for urgent action as the number of unaccommodated applicants has recently topped a record 3,000, raising concerns about the state’s capacity to meet its obligations.
