Irish government advances plan to redesignate UK as 'safe country' for asylum seekers

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The Irish government gave the green light Tuesday to a proposal to classify the UK as a "safe country" for asylum seekers in a move that could have significant implications for immigration policy between the two nations.

The plan, which was brought to the Cabinet by Justice Minister Helen McEntee and subsequently approved by government ministers, seeks to address concerns about the influx of asylum seekers entering the Republic of Ireland via Northern Ireland.

McEntee asserted that more than 80% of recent asylum claims in Ireland were from individuals who had crossed the border from Northern Ireland.

But the British government has emphasized its prerogative in determining who it accepts into the UK.

The Irish government's decision comes amid growing apprehension about the UK's intention to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda -- a policy that has raised humanitarian and legal concerns.

Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Micheal Martin voiced worries that the UK's deportation plans were incentivizing more refugees to seek asylum in Ireland and the wider European Union, rather than face potential deportation to Rwanda.

A 10 Downing Street spokesperson denied claims regarding the scope of the agreement reached between the Irish and British governments post-Brexit, according to the BBC.

The spokesperson acknowledged operational arrangements between the two countries but emphasized that there is "no legal obligation" to accept the return of refugees.

Ireland had previously designated the UK as a "safe third country" for refugee returns, but the Irish High Court ruled last month that it violated EU law and blocked the returns.