Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 April 2015
17. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will change the guidelines on family reunification visas to take into account a person's prospective income and employment, so that spouses of younger Irish or European Union citizens may avail of this visa option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13394/15]
View answerThe Policy Document on non-EEA Family Reunification was published on 31 December 2013 and provides a comprehensive statement of national immigration policy on the area of family reunification. The policies outlined in the document apply to all decision making in relation to family reunification cases where ministerial discretion applies, including long stay (join family) visa applications.
While it is intended that some updates and revisions of the Policy Document on non-EEA Family Reunification will be made in the course of the year, I do not envisage a change along the lines the Deputy is suggesting. When a student graduates with a good qualification, his or her earning potential is no doubt enhanced. However, visa or immigration decisions cannot be based on speculation as to future earnings as it would be open to anyone to make a claim as to their prospects in this regard.
In relation to the specific case cited by the Deputy, as advised in reply to her question number 2676/15 of 21 January, 2015, the visa application was received in the Visa Office, Abu Dhabi on 30 October, 2014. Following full consideration, the Visa Officer decided to refuse the grant of the visa on 2 November, 2014. The decision to refuse was appealed on 14 December, 2014 and said decision upheld by an Appeals Officer on 24 December, 2014. This decision was communicated to the applicant.
The Visa Appeals Officer did not consider that the person concerned provided sufficient evidence to meet the financial criteria as set out in paragraph 17.2 of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. The Visa Appeals Officer deemed the evidence provided to demonstrate adequate levels of available finances to be insufficient. This increases the likelihood that the granting of a visa in this case could result in a cost to State funds or resources.
