More than 2,000 doorstep operations, to check for passports on the steps of airplanes, have been carried out so far this year, according to the Department of Justice.
Under reforms of immigration laws, to go to Cabinet this week, airlines who allow passengers on board without a passport or valid visa, will face higher penalties
The practice of checking for passports on the steps of aircrafts was discontinued in 2020, but resumed last year in an attempt to address the number of asylum seekers arriving in the State without documentation.
Department of Justice figures show that 2,250 doorstep operations have been carried out so far this year, on flights described as posing a risk of irregular migration.
And almost 100 people have been prosecuted since the start of the year, for arriving in the State without passports or visas.
The practice whereby officers check documentation while passengers disembark from flights has been criticised by migrant rights groups.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has previously argued that people fleeing persecution may have legitimate reasons for arriving without documents.
But Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she is ramping up checks at entry level.
Minister McEntee will bring laws to Cabinet this week to increase the fines imposed on airlines for allowing passengers on board without proper documentation.
The current fine of €3,000 per passenger would be increased to €5,000.
If passed by the Oireachtas, the laws would see new guidelines drawn up to support airlines with carrying out checks and there would be stronger penalties for those who do not show improvements.
