Ireland has deported 42 South African nationals found to be living illegally in the country in a charter flight operation costing about €735,000.

The group, including men, women and children in family units, was flown from Dublin to Johannesburg after receiving removal orders.

Irish authorities say the deportations were part of stricter immigration enforcement, noting that the individuals had exhausted voluntary return options.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the system must remain “rules-based and robust” to maintain public confidence.

The operation marks Ireland’s fourth charter deportation flight in 2026 amid tighter immigration controls, with officials linking some cases to prior criminal convictions.