Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
557. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice the reason waiting times for visit a family/friend visas, short-term visits to Ireland, are taking over a year to process when in appeal (details supplied); the reason, given these are short-term stays, the decisions are taking so long; if she will act to reduce these waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29846/24]
View answerI appreciate the impact of delays on applicants and my Department has taken a number of measures to address the backlog including the assignment of additional staff resources and the use of overtime working. The resources available for these activities, and the accompanying operational and organisational structures are kept under ongoing review to ensure that resources are deployed as efficiently as possible.
The processing times for short term visas by the Dublin Visa Office for tourism or to visit family or friends is approximately 5 to 6 weeks.
While every effort is made to process appeals as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of appeals, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of my Department to seek further information, and the resources available.
The visa system is an essential part of our immigration system and is a preclearance mechanism to determine who can travel to Ireland. All applications are subject to scrutiny and must be supported by documentation to be approved. If a person wishes to visit Ireland for a short period they will need to demonstrate they have obligations to leave and that they will abide by the conditions of the visa.
All applicants for a short stay ‘C’ visa (whether for a single entry or multiple entries) must show that they have sufficiently strong family, social or economic ties to a place of residence in a country other than Ireland to assure the visa officer assessing the application that the proposed stay in Ireland will be temporary and in accordance with the duration and conditions of the permission granted by the immigration authorities on arrival in Ireland. The maximum stay allowed under a short stay ‘C’ visa is 90 days.
The responsibility for demonstrating substantial ties to a country other than Ireland rests with the applicant. The burden of proof in all cases is on the applicant to satisfy the visa officer. The visa officer may verify any evidence submitted in support of an application. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance. Documents normally required in support of an application are set out on the following webpage:
www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/how-to-apply-for-a-short-stay-c-visit-tourist-visa/.
It should also be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order.
