Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the escalating issue of asylum and illegal immigration in Northern Ireland, in particular within her own constituency of Upper Bann.
In her letter, the DUP MP highlighted the growing frustration in communities such as Upper Bann, where many local people – including those who came to Northern Ireland legally – are angered at the way illegal and undocumented immigration undermines fairness, border security, and public confidence.
Speaking on the issue Carla Lockhart MP said: “Those who followed the proper legal process to come to Northern Ireland know the sacrifices, the effort, and the investment that were required. They contribute greatly to our society, our economy, and our communities. That is why they, above all others, are appalled when others choose to break the rules and come here illegally.
“Illegal and undocumented immigration cannot be excused, normalised, or ignored. We must uphold fairness, protect our borders, and ensure that those who invest in our country and respect our laws are never undermined by those who do not.
“At the same time, the pressures created by illegal immigration are being felt acutely in our housing system, our health service, and by our police. Local people already face record housing waiting lists, lengthy delays for healthcare, and stretched policing. It is deeply unfair that these pressures are compounded by illegal and undocumented immigration.”
The Upper Bann MP added that in this new parliamentary term, her focus will be on ensuring that border security and tackling illegal immigration remain a top priority for the Government.
“Firm and visible enforcement, backed by strong policy, is essential if public trust is to be restored and maintained. That is the message I have sent to the Home Secretary, and it is the message I will continue to press in Parliament on behalf of the people of Upper Bann.”
According to the Northern Ireland refugee statistics published in August 2024, the total number of asylum seekers in Northern Ireland was 2,748 people by March 2024.
Under the same statistics – obtained largely from Home Office datasets – it outlines that 37 of those asylum seekers are currently living in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council area and 63 are living within Newry, Mourne and Down.
The bulk of those seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland are based in Belfast where a total of 1,981 were accounted for.
Statistics on ‘illegal immigration’ are much more difficult to obtain and according to The Home Office “it is not possible to know the exact number of people currently resident in the UK without permission, nor the total number of people who enter the UK irregularly”.
However, they do state alongside publication of the Irregular migration to the UK statistics for year ending June 2024, that “some broad trends can be observed”.
In the year ending June 2024, The Home Office report that there were 38,784 detected irregular arrivals – 26% fewer than in the year ending June 2023 – and 81% of these arrived by small boats.
And while the downward trend for the UK in terms of “irregular migration” may be promising there is an increase in migration in Northern Ireland overall.
The International Migration in Northern Ireland update published by The Northern Ireland Assembly in February 2025 indicates that the 2001 Census recorded 14,300 people (0.8%) with a minority ethnic group classification. This figure more than doubled to 32,400 (1.8%) in Census 2011, and doubled again to 65,600 (3.4%) in 2021.
