Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
432. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a review can be undertaken on the decision to refuse a de facto visa in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19353/19]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned made an application for permission to reside as the de facto partner of an Irish National under the INIS Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. That application was refused on 25 April, 2019 as she did not meet the relevant criteria. In line with the policy document, it is open to the person concerned to seek a review of that decision. Such a request must be made in writing to INISdefacto@justice.ie.
I am further informed that it is open to any visa required national to apply for a visa for any purpose. Each visa application is considered on its individual merits with the Visa Officer having regard to all of the information and documentation available. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that the particular visa sought should be granted.
Guidelines on how to apply for particular types of visas are available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie Detailed information on the circumstances in which a person can seek to sponsor a family member to join them in the State is also contained in the policy document on Non-EEA Family Reunification.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
