Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1245. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to introduce schemes for family reunification for Yemini citizens given the dangerous situation as a result of the war there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19420/22]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that any person who has fled Yemen, or any other country, in genuine search of safety and support, will find it in Ireland.
I am aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Processing of international protection applications from Yemeni nationals are already prioritised, in accordance with the approach to prioritisation of cases agreed with UNHCR Ireland. The examination of an application takes full account of whether a person will be in danger if not provided with an international protection status or a permission to remain here.
As the Deputy may be aware, Yemeni nationals can apply for family reunification under the International Protection Act 2015 if they have been granted a declaration as a Convention Refugee, are a beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection or if they have been granted Programme Refugee status. Section 56 the International Protection Act 2015, sets down the procedure for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection to make an application for family reunification.
Where an applicant does not qualify under Section 56 of the 2015 Act, an alternative avenue for family reunification is available under my Department's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification.
Government policy regarding immigration and international protection matters in the State is kept under constant review. The relevant authorities in Ireland closely follow and observe trends and developments in other EU Member States as well as internationally.
At present, there are no plans to introduce a special programme for those fleeing conflict in Yemen. As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague, Minister O'Gorman, has responsibility for implementing the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
