Family Reunification

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2023

Thursday, 4 May 2023

Questions (195, 196)

Colm Burke

Question:

195. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice if all current general employment permit holders, their employers and agencies have been made aware of amendments to salary requirements when applying for a family reunification visa after one years' service wherein net income per week based on the family income supplement has increased, in view of the fact that employers may not be in a position to increase wages in order to satisfy the eligibility requirements for family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20844/23]

Colm Burke

Question:

196. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice if the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification 2016 has been amended to reflect the increased salary requirements when applying for a family reunification visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20845/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.

As the Deputy notes, the position in regard to applications of this nature is set out in the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which is available on my Department's website. The policy, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review.

The policy document sets out the rationale for applying resource requirements as part of the overall assessment of whether to approve an application for family reunification. In general terms, the sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.

As a guideline, Category B sponsors such as those on General Employment Permits, regardless of occupation, must have a gross income in excess of that applied by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in assessing eligibility for the Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement). In examining such applications, my Department applies the DSP income levels current at the time of assessment.

Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 195.