On February 21, The Irish Times published a report highlighting how the University of Galway food bank has been forced to turn away hundreds of students each week due to limited supplies. However, it was an accompanying photograph—not the article itself—that ignited a storm online.
The image showed a long queue of students waiting at the campus food bank. Social media users quickly claimed that many in the line appeared to be Indian or South Asian students, triggering a heated debate.
Backlash on social media
The photograph began circulating widely on X, where some users accused foreign students of misusing welfare resources. Critics questioned why international students—who are required to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds while applying for visas—would need access to food bank support.
It is important to note that the Irish Times report did not suggest that Indian students were responsible for the food shortage. Nor did it confirm that the queue consisted solely of Indian students. Despite this, many online commentators drew their own conclusions.
Several users argued that one of the core requirements of a student visa is the ability to financially support oneself. “Are foreign students misrepresenting their finances, or are they taking resources meant for vulnerable Irish students?” one post asked, reflecting the broader backlash and debate that followed the viral image. (Agencies)
