The Irish Times said the decision to cancel visa-free travel for South Africans followed reports of alleged abuse of the arrangement by individuals who entered Ireland seeking protection.
A warning has been issued regarding the use of South African passports by citizens of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to enter South Africa.
According to the Irish Department of Justice, 198 asylum seekers arrived in Ireland this year using South African passports. This number represents more than 3 percent of the total number of applications received so far this year.
South African passport holders now have easy access to 108 countries, according to Henley & Partners. The situation could change if Ireland decides to exclude South Africa from the Visa Abolition Agreement.
In 2009, the UK introduced visa requirements for South African passport holders, citing security concerns over misuse of South African passports.
However, the Republic of Ireland maintained its visa-free entry system to South Africa. This privilege could be at risk if Ireland decides to withdraw its visa-free entry arrangement.
More than 5,000 people have applied for asylum in Ireland so far this year.
The country expects the number of arrivals to increase further in the coming months and therefore wants to strengthen existing measures.
