Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1085. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice with regard to the increasingly urgent conflict situation in Sudan, if she introduced, or will consider introducing options such as stamp zero, temporary visas or other pathways to reunite Sudanese/Irish citizens or residents with their immediate relatives with agreed-upon guarantees that would ensure they will not become a burden on the State. [1222/24]
View answerI understand that this is a difficult situation for our Sudanese community and their loved ones. My Department has assisted the Department of Foreign Affairs in their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families from Sudan. Where necessary, we are continuing to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs on a case by case basis assisting any remaining Irish citizens who are evacuating Sudan with their family.
It is open to the persons affected who have family members here to apply for a visa. Due to the unrest in Khartoum the office of Ireland’s Honorary Consul is currently inaccessible. Where possible visa applicants should engage with the nearest available Irish Embassy who can give further information on specific cases. Emergency visa applications will be dealt with on a case by case basis but will, wherever possible, be processed speedily. It is important to say that all current immigration avenues remain open for new applications, including Stamp 0, visa and family reunification applications.
