FOI Data Reveal 63,000 Irish Visa Refusals; Some African Nationals Face 90 %-Plus Rejection Rates

Freedom-of-Information documents obtained by journalists show that between 2024 and 2025 the Irish Visa Office refused 62,884 applications, approving 321,000 (an overall success rate of 82.5 %). Approval levels varied sharply by nationality: India enjoyed a 92.4 % success rate on more than 72,000 applications last year, while Burundi’s stood at just 8.1 %. Cameroon, Togo and Gambia also recorded sub-30 % approvals.(thesun.ie)

High-volume source markets such as China (95 %), South Africa (93 %), and Russia (94.5 %) were largely successful. Internal guidance issued to visa officers—released as part of the FOI request—advises staff to “trust their instincts,” scrutinise bank statements for six months, and watch for document tampering. The Department had initially resisted publication on security grounds.



The data equip global mobility managers with concrete risk metrics when scheduling travel or assignments for third-country nationals requiring Irish entry visas. Companies may need to budget additional lead-time and document support for applicants from high-refusal geographies and ensure letters of guarantee and financial proofs are watertight.

Immigration lawyers argue that the stark disparities highlight the need for clearer, published criteria and an independent appeals mechanism; civil-society groups warn that opaque decision-making can damage Ireland’s reputation for fairness. The Department has yet to comment on whether it will issue revised guidance in light of the disclosures.