Proposed immigration reforms in Ireland may see airlines facing higher fines and stricter obligations on document checks for passengers flying into the country, according to informal briefing by department officials.
Airlines received almost 1,000 fines amounting to €1.5m last year for offences where passengers managed to board with incomplete documentation, with adjustments to fines based on prompt payment. In 2023, 990 fines and 1,165 cautions were issued. At present, each fine is €1,500, rising to €3,000 if not paid within 28 days.
According to officials a stricter gate check programme would place enhanced responsibility on airlines to conduct appropriate checks on boarding passengers, making it a criminal offence for airline employees not to spot forged passports or incomplete documentation at the boarding gate.
A proposed gate-check programme could see carriers entering into agreements where fines are waived in return for what officials call an audited high standard of document checking and security procedures at a port of embarkation.
A review group is exploring options such as increasing fines and penalties for repeat offences by airlines, as well as potential legislative amendments to enforce proper document checks.
The review group also expressed concern about the number of individuals not cooperating with the international protection system, with 412 files identified as having issues with the interview process. Last year, 3,285 people arrived at airports without valid travel documents, almost all of whom applied for asylum.
