A Russian national found wandering in a confused state in Athlone, Co Westmeath, early yesterday had spent six days in the back of a truck, according to gardai.
The man spoke no English, and his nationality was discovered only after an interpreter was found.
The man was unable to give the authorities any details of the route he had taken to arrive in Ireland and did not appear to know where he was.
Following a medical examination, he was escorted to Dublin last night, where he is expected to apply for political asylum later today.