I understand that this is a difficult situation for our Afghan community and would like to take this opportunity to assure them that my Department is processing applications under the Afghan Admissions Programme (AAP) as quickly as possible.To ensure as many people as possible can avail of this important programme my Department have been liaising with representatives of the Afghan Community and with applicants directly to ensure the Afghan Admission Programme team have everything needed to progress applications.Where applicants are missing important information, such as proof of identity and familial relationships, the Afghan Admission Programme Unit contacted people directly to gather the required documents. This process is now complete. Applications continue to be assessed in a pragmatic and humanitarian manner.
My department issued the first approval under the Programme on 14 November 2022. As of the 9 October 2023, 587 beneficiaries have received approvals and 70 negative decisions in respect of 206 individuals have been issued under the terms of Programme. In addition, a further 71 applicants have been informed that their applications in respect of 269 individuals were not eligible under the terms of the Programme. The Department continues to process the remaining applications and will notify all applicants as soon as is practicable. It is currently anticipated that the AAP will be largely concluded by the end of 2023.
The Programme has been developed to allow as many families as possible the opportunity to have some family members join them here in Ireland. It was originally envisaged that up to 500 places would be available under the Programme. However, applicants who have met the deadlines and other criteria for the Programme will continue to be assessed and have determinations issued on their application. Consequently the number of places to be provided under the programme is likely to exceed 500.
I can also advise that if an applicant has received a negative decision in respect of their application to the AAP it is open to them to appeal this decision at no extra cost. The appeal must be submitted on the appeal form within 20 working days of the date of the decision letter. Further details together with a link to the appeal form can be found at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/the-afghan-admission-programme-information-page/the-afghan-admission-programme-aap-appeals/
I can further advise that 476 Type D Long Stay Join Family visas have been issued to Afghan nationals in 2023 to 9 October. This figure comprises all Type D Join Family visas issued to Afghan nationals and are not exclusive to those who are beneficiaries of the Afghan Admission Programme.
