Community Protests Planned Deportation of South African Family in South Dublin

Dublin: More than 300 local residents marched to the Department of Social Protection in South Dublin, protesting the planned deportation of a South African family scheduled to take place at the end of this week. Demonstrators submitted a formal letter urging the authorities to revoke the decision to deport the Oyekanmi family to South Africa.

The family, which includes three children aged between five and 18, has been living in Ireland since 2023. Over the past three years, they have become active members of the local community, participating in schools and sports clubs. The protest was organised primarily by parents of schoolchildren, many of whom have close ties to the family.

Among the organisers was Cara McGuinness, whose son Charlie is a school friend of 14-year-old Joseph Oyekanmi. Speaking at the demonstration, McGuinness expressed hope that the Minister would reconsider the decision.

“We stand in full support of Joseph, his mother, and his brothers,” she said. “The Minister needs to understand that this family is an asset to Ireland. They are good people who have been here for three years, have put down roots in this community, and have contributed greatly. They wish to remain here.”

Joseph, a student at Gonzaga College, is described by peers and local residents as an outstanding athlete and a highly talented rugby player with excellent academic performance. Community members have praised his dedication to sport and his humble character, saying that despite his achievements, he remains grounded and well-liked.

The Oyekanmi family arrived in Ireland in 2023 from South Africa, a country that Irish authorities classify as a safe country of origin. Their application for international protection, as well as their subsequent appeal, was refused.

In a statement, the Department of Justice reiterated that when an application for international protection is refused and a deportation order is issued, the individual is required to leave the State. While declining to comment on individual cases, a departmental spokesperson said that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that the international protection process is handled efficiently and effectively, and that the integrity of the system is maintained at all times.

The Department further emphasised that decisions are made independently by the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT). Each application is assessed individually in accordance with international asylum laws, and decisions are made based on the merits of the case.

As the deportation deadline approaches, the case has sparked a broader conversation within the community about integration, humanitarian considerations, and the balance between immigration policy and local support.