Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
76. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline any plans to address, by legislation or otherwise, the situation whereby persons granted a work permit, based on their suitability to fill a position that an employer cannot otherwise fill, are subsequently refused a visa by his Department on the basis that they are not suitable for the post in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9421/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the granting of a work permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) does not result in the automatic granting of a visa by the Department of Justice. The two processes are distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information as possible in support of their application and as they feel is necessary. Extensive guidelines in this regard are posted on our website www.irishimmigration.ie. These are intended to assist applicants in receiving a positive decision at first instance.
An appeals process, which is free of charge, is available which allows applicants, in the event of a refusal of the visa application at first instance, to address the factors which gave rise to that decision.
It should be noted that not all non-EEA nationals require an Irish entry visa to travel to the State, however an immigration officer at the port of entry will examine the documentary evidence available and may grant or refuse entry to the State based on that examination. A list of non-visa required countries is available at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Visa-and-Non-Visa-Required-Countries.pdf.
Finally, I can further advise the Deputy that following Government approval in December last year, my Department has established an Inter-Departmental Working Group to prepare an implementation report for consideration by Government on the introduction of a single permit process for employment permit and immigration permissions.
The aim of such a single permit process would be to simplify the procedure for third country nationals wishing to migrate legally for work. This will improve the experience for people who want to move to and work in our country, as well as enhance the service provided to employers.
