The number of persons refused leave to land at ports throughout Ireland for 2003 was 4,827. The numbers refused at Dublin Airport for 2003 was 3,258.
The main countries of origin were Romania, Nigeria, Poland, Lithuania and Brazil. Grounds for refusal of leave to land are set out in Article 5 of the Aliens Order 1946 as amended. The main grounds for the refusal of leave to land in 2003 were: Article 5(2)(i) — That the alien is not in possession of a valid passport or other documentation which (i) establishes his or her identity to the officer's satisfaction, (ii) was issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government; and Article 5(2)(e) — That the alien, not being a member of a class of persons designated by order of the Minister as not requiring a visa, is not the holder of a valid Irish visa; Article 5(2)(m) — That there is reason to believe that the alien, with intent to deceive, seeks to enter the State for a purpose or purposes other than those expressed by the alien; Article 5(2)(a) — that the alien is not in a position to support himself or herself and any accompanying dependants; and Article 5(2)(j) — that the alien (i) intends to travel, whether immediately or not, to Great Britain or Northern Ireland and (ii) would not qualify for admission to Great Britain or Northern Ireland if he or she arrived there from a place other than the State.