Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
184. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice if she will expedite the application process for persons seeking a visa to enter this country for work purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34682/23]
View answerArrangements for visa process recognise the importance of facilitating travel to the State for a range of economic and social purposes.
As with all visa services worldwide, the central concern in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of intending visitors.
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 the single permit process is to simplify the procedure for third country nationals wishing to migrate to Ireland 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.
Currently, there are seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs process certain visa applications, including Employment Visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department.
All applicants are advised that processing times vary between countries. They also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, applicants can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which their application is received in the visa office, embassy or consulate.The Dublin Visa Office are currently processing Employment Visas received on the 24 May 2023. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
