Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
214. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will review and examine the visas restrictions with regard specifically to a South African business operating in Ireland as processing delays are making it difficult for directors of Irish operations to access the country in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13157/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that on 10 July 2024 visa requirements were introduced for nationals of South Africa, bringing our arrangements into alignment with the visa requirements of Schengen members states, and with those of the UK.
The Dublin Visa Office have established a dedicated “South Africa Desk” to process applications from residents of South Africa. My Department also established Visa Application Centres, located throughout South Africa, with visa service provider VFS Global. This is to ensure the facilitation of legitimate travel with processes that are robust, effective, and fair.
Since July 2024 over 18,500 applications of all types have been received by the South African Desk and over 16,900 decisions have issued.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department does issue multiple entry visas to individuals who wish to visit Ireland on a regular basis. When an individual applies for a short stay ‘C’ visa they may request to be granted either a single or a multiple entry visa. If an individual wishes to apply for a multiple entry visa, they should indicate this on their application and pay the visa fee for a multiple entry visa. The granting of a multiple entry visa is at the discretion of the Visa Officer and are usually only issued to individuals who demonstrate previous compliant travel history.
Further information on the application process for multiple entry visas is published on my Department’s website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/single-multiple-visas/
I can advise the Deputy the majority of visas received by the South Africa Desk are being processed within the target processing times, which for Business / Conference / Event visas from South African nationals is 6 – 8 weeks.
Applicants are advised that unforeseen delays can arise, which are outside the control of the Department. Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors and varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.
My Department publishes guidance for applicants and weekly decision reports, at the following webpage: www.irishimmigration.ie/south-africa-visa-desk/
Any applicant can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s new Customer Service portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
