ASYLUM APPEALS UP BY 85% IN ONE YEAR

Nine times as many cases left in limbo as they challenge rejections

- BY LYNNE KELLEHER

THE number of asylum seekers left in limbo as they appeal against a rejected application has risen by 900% over the past eight years.

Figures from the Department of Justice show there were 8,835 challenges received by the International Protection Appeals Tribunal in 2024 compared to 4,775 in 2023 an increase of 85%.

In the first two months of 2025 alone, 2,076 appeals were lodged, reflecting an ongoing rise in refusals and a growing strain on the appeals system.

IPAT, which was established at the end of 2016, is on course for a record number of challenges this year if this trend continues.

John Lannon, CEO of migrants' rights organisation Doras, said the process is of "critical importance".