Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2019
220. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the processing times for applications under the immigrant investor programmes; if there are undue delays; if so, if he has had these examined; the actions he is taking to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20528/19]
View answerThe Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced in April 2012 to encourage inward investment and create business and employment opportunities in the State. The programme provides investors with the opportunity to invest in Ireland. Key to the programme is that the investments are beneficial for Ireland, generate or sustain employment and are generally in the public interest.
Successful applicants under the Immigrant Investment Programme and their nominated family members may be granted a residence permission in Ireland under Stamp 4 conditions. Stamp 4 conditions permit non-EEA nationals to work, study or start their own businesses in Ireland. Therefore, given the significant immigration benefits accruing and to ensure the highest degree of transparency and accountability for the programme, it is essential that all applications are subject to enhanced levels of due diligence processes in respect of both personal and financial checks to protect the State's interests.
I am informed that the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department has introduced a number of enhanced control mechanisms which has led to temporary increase in processing times, as the new processes are bedded in. Decisions on a significant number of 2018 applications will be made on that basis and communicated to applicants in the coming weeks.
The INIS expects that, in 2019, processing times for applications will be between 6-9 months. I am advised that timeframe compares very favourably to international peers, some of whom operate a decision-making framework of between 12 and 24 months.
