Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
304. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the processing of visa applications will resume; when the INIS website will be updated to reflect this; if the standard processing time will be affected by any backlog; if a fast-track option will be available to those depending on a visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12359/20]
View answer308. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the restrictions on accepting new visa applications will be lifted. [11708/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 308 together.
The current position (since 21 March 2020) is that we have temporarily ceased accepting new visa applications with the exception of critical/priority applications including healthcare and supply chain workers.
In line with Government policy, we are preparing for a phased and coordinated resumption of visa operations. A limited relaxation of the current measures started on 22 June 2020 with the acceptance of long stay applications in locations where conditions allow. Any approaches in this area will have regard to the current health and safety advice in relation to the pandemic, conditions in countries of origin, and be consistent with our Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements with the UK and our EU membership.
The course of the pandemic requires a prudent approach to the relaxation of any measures taken in the interests of public health.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation there have been delays to the time frame for the processing of cases as the necessary restrictions imposed for social distancing and non-essential travel requirements imposes restrictions on the numbers of staff allowed on our premises at any given time. We do, however, look at emergency cases on an individual basis and take a tailored approach to them.
Resumption of normal operations and timeframes remains under constant review subject to the advice of the HSE and the Chief Medical Officer and once commenced, decisions will be issued in chronological order.
I can assure the Deputy that, as with all our immigration processes, the matter is receiving ongoing attention and as soon as a practical plan is in place for the re-commencement of normal service delivery notifications will be placed on our website (www.inis.gov.ie).
