Immigration Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022

Tuesday, 1 March 2022

Questions (603)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

603. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice , further to Parliamentary Question No. 246 of 17 February 2022, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish citizens who are contacting the visa office to get their family members out of Ukraine and settled safely in Ireland are being told the process will take eight to ten weeks, and as part of this process applicants have to submit their passports to the consulate in Kyiv; the steps that she is taking to urgently address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11693/22]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

On Friday the 25th of February I announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements between Ukraine and Ireland.

This will streamline and support the swift exit of both the Ukrainian family members of Irish citizens, and the family members of people from Ukraine who are resident in Ireland. It will apply as an emergency measure to all Ukrainians travelling to Ireland. The Statutory Instrument removing the visa requirement for Ukraine nationals as an emergency measure takes immediate effect.

People who are considering leaving Ukraine and travelling to Ireland may for the coming period do so without a visa if they judge it safe to travel. Those who travel to Ireland without a visa during this period will initially be given a standard 90 day entry permission while appropriate support and protection measures are put in place.