Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1545. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice the options available to an Afghan refugee living in Ireland to expedite their family’s reunification application given that their family is in increased danger day-by-day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40157/22]
View answerI am very conscious of the plight faced by the Afghan people following the collapse of the former Afghan government and the takeover by the Taliban, that has further fuelled the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
In response to the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, my Department remains focused on processing applications for family reunification made under all admission avenues, including the Afghan Admissions Programme for family members of Afghan nationals living in Ireland. A total of 528 applications have been received under the Programme. These applications are currently being assessed with a view to issuing decisions in the coming months.
In addition, since the beginning of August 2021, a total of 135 join family visas have been approved for Afghan nationals and 77 family reunification applications have been approved. Anyone that wishes to make an application for a visa to join a family member already living in Ireland, can do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx. Eligible family members are generally dependent family members, including spouses, civil partners and children under the age of 18. Those wishing to apply to bring an elderly dependent to live with them in Ireland under a Stamp 0 permission can find further information at: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-a-non-eea-non-swiss-national/dependent-elderly-relative/.
A significant number of Afghan people have also been allocated places under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), which is under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality. Disability, Integration and Youth. My Department provides the visas to facilitate their travel to Ireland and almost 600 visa waiver letters have been issued to date.
I recognise that all applicants for family reunification would wish to have a decision on their application made without delay. However, the nature of the process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. I want to reassure the Deputy that all possible efforts are being made to bring family reunification applications, across the range of avenues open to applicants, to a swift conclusion.
