Student activists chained themselves to railings outside the Department of Justice offices on St Stephen's Green in Dublin overnight, protesting the reported refusal of student visas for Palestinian students who secured places at Irish universities for the upcoming academic year.

The demonstration, organized primarily by officers and activists from the Trinity College Dublin Students' Union (TCDSU), began on Wednesday afternoon and continued into Thursday morning. A group of protesters remained secured to the building's entrance overnight using bike chains, describing the action as a "last resort" ahead of university start dates and application appeal deadlines.

According to student union representatives, over 100 long-stay study visa applications submitted by Palestinian students—many holding scholarships to study at Irish third-level institutions—have been rejected by immigration authorities. Refusal letters issued to applicants cited reasons including gaps in educational or employment history, insufficient documentation, or questions regarding financial self-sufficiency and the likelihood of returning upon course completion. Student leaders argue that these requirements fail to reflect the widespread destruction of university infrastructure and records in Gaza.

In response to inquiries, the Department of Justice stated that 50 student visas have been granted to Palestinian nationals this year. The department maintained that all visa applications are evaluated on an individual basis under standard statutory procedures and established legal frameworks. It added that an official appeals process remains available for refused applicants following examination by a designated visa appeals officer.

Opposition politicians have also called for a review of the decisions. Social Democrats Senator Patricia Stephenson called on Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to account for the refusal rate, characterizing the stringent application criteria for Gazan students as unrealistic under current conditions. Protesters stated they intend to continue campaigning until the department formally reviews the rejected applications.