A deal has been reached to bring Dublin businessman Richard O’Halloran home after a three-year ban from leaving China.

The Foxrock man had been detained without charge since 2019 after traveling to the country to resolve a dispute involving the chairman of his company.

Richard is an employee of China International Aviation Leasing Service and became embroiled in a dispute between his employer and the Chinese state.

Min Jiedong, who is the chairman of CIALS Ireland, is in jail after being accused of defrauding Chinese investors through a peer-to-peer scheme to buy a plane.

The scheme was implemented before Richard joined the company and he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

And he can finally return home after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reached an agreement with the Chinese authorities.

In a short statement, they confirmed that Richard would be returning “shortly”.

They added: “It has been a difficult time for Mr O’Halloran and his family.

“The government has been actively engaged on the issue throughout and is delighted to have achieved a positive outcome.

“The Minister wishes to acknowledge the recent cooperation of the Chinese Embassy in Ireland and the Chinese authorities, and to thank all those who have contributed to the achievement of this positive outcome.

“The Minister wishes Mr. O’Halloran a happy reunion with his family.”

In an interview with Prime Time last year, the jet rental worker described his grief at being separated from his family.

He said: ‘I’m a very active dad and literally in the blink of an eye it was all gone.

“It’s very difficult for me to manage, but for the children it’s devastating. It’s very difficult to explain to a five-year-old child, seven now, that dad isn’t coming home for your birthday, your communion, your confirmation or Christmas.

“There’s no reason for me to be stuck here. I should be allowed to go home.”

To get the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter