Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
588. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to clarify his Department’s new policy to not refuse visas in the first instance and instead RFI with a 15-day deadline, and the impact of such on processing times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35954/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that there has been no change to my Department's policy regarding the processing of Irish Visa applications.
When a person applies for an Irish visa, they are required to complete an application form and supply all the required documentation. Guidelines to assist individuals making visa applications are published on my Department's website, this includes a full list of the different application forms and the necessary documents. People that carefully follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision.
In most circumstances my officials issue a decision on a visa application based on the information submitted in support of the application. However, on occasion a request for additional information will be made to a person. Normally, these requests are made when a small amount of information is required or in exceptional circumstances. The responsibility remains on the person to provide full information at time of application and my officials do not, in the normal course of events, seek additional information regarding each application.
I can advise the Deputy, that if a Visa Officer intends to refuse an application on the grounds of deception, for example if there are concerns that fraudulent information has been provided, a ban of up to 5 years may be made against the person. In these circumstances, the individual is given 15 working days to address the Visa Officer’s concerns in respect of the information provided to the Visa Office. This process is to ensure people have a fair opportunity to explain any inconsistencies, mistakes or misunderstandings regarding their application which, if unaddressed, could prevent them from applying for an Irish visa in future.
In 2024, approximately 201,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to 2023, with over 35,000 additional applications received. These increases have continued, in the first five months of 2025, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 88,400 visa applications and has issued over 76,900 decisions. This reflects an increase in applications of 14%, compared to the same period in 2024.
My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 5,400 additional visa decisions have issued in the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
