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Dublin, August 13, 2025 — A Nigerian national who was deported from Ireland earlier this year has successfully appealed his removal and been granted permission to return, following a reassessment of his asylum claim based on persecution due to his sexual orientation.
The man, aged in his 30s, was one of 35 individuals deported to Nigeria on a government-chartered flight as part of Ireland’s stepped-up enforcement of deportation orders. He had been working at a poultry farm in County Cavan when he was arrested for deportation.
🛑 Grounds for Appeal: LGBTQ+ Persecution
Irish immigration authorities reversed the deportation order after the man presented new evidence demonstrating that he faces credible threats to his life in Nigeria due to his identity as a gay man. He is reportedly wanted by Nigerian police and has a prior criminal record stemming from a same-sex relationship over a decade ago — a charge that remains punishable under Nigerian law.
“I can’t go outside because of the fear and of the threat,” the man told The Journal, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns.
✈️ Return to Ireland and Legal Status
The man has been granted international protection and now has 10 days to secure a visa and return to Dublin for an appointment at the International Protection Office. His legal team has requested an extension from the Department of Justice due to delays in obtaining travel documentation.
He is believed to be the first among the 35 deportees on that flight to successfully challenge their removal. Witness statements and character references from friends in Ireland played a key role in supporting his appeal.
🔍 Broader Context: Deportation Policy and Human Rights
The deportation flight, which cost the Irish government approximately €325,000, was one of three such operations conducted this year — the first in over a decade. While the Department of Justice has emphasized the importance of enforcing deportation orders to maintain the integrity of the asylum system, human rights advocates have raised concerns about the treatment of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and the risks they face upon return to countries with hostile legal environments.
This case highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and human rights protections, particularly for individuals fleeing persecution based on sexual orientation.
For further details, you can read the full report from The Journal and RTÉ News.
