Forty-two South African nationals have been deported from Ireland following a coordinated immigration enforcement operation carried out by Irish authorities.

The group, which included nine men, 18 women and 15 minors, were all members of family units and arrived in Johannesburg aboard a charter flight from Dublin.

According to Ireland’s Department of Justice, the deportation orders were executed under the authority of the Minister for Justice as part of ongoing immigration enforcement measures.

The operation was conducted by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, which oversaw the removal process following formal deportation orders issued by the ministry.

Officials confirmed that two of the individuals deported had previously been convicted of criminal offences while residing in Ireland.

The Department of Justice described the operation as the fourth deportation charter flight conducted this year, bringing the total number of removals to 130 individuals, including 67 European Union citizens removed on grounds of criminality.

The government also disclosed that the cost of the latest charter flight operation amounted to approximately €735,000.

Minister Jim O'Callaghan stated that deportation orders remain a “critical requirement” for maintaining the integrity and functionality of Ireland’s immigration system.

Authorities say the enforcement exercise forms part of broader efforts to uphold immigration laws and ensure compliance with residency regulations.

The Department of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to continuing coordinated removals where necessary, particularly in cases involving failed asylum claims or breaches of immigration conditions.