Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
876. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice what steps are being taken to alleviate the backlog in visa applications for family reunification; what steps are being taken to streamline the process going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14341/24]
View answerFamily reunification as provided for in s56 of the International Protection Act 2015, allows people granted International Protection to apply for certain family members to join them in the State.
The processing time can vary depending on the nature of the application and the documentation supplied. My Department engages with applicants for any further information that may be required to assist with the processing of applications.
All processing procedures and times are kept under ongoing review by my Department and every effort is made to keep these to a minimum.
Information on how to apply for family reunification as provided for in the International Protection Act 2015 is available on my Department's website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/family-reunification-of-international-protection-holders/
Non-EEA nationals legally resident in Ireland, and considering family reunification, and who do not meet the criteria as provided for in the International Protection Act 2015, should also be aware of my Department’s “Policy on Non-EEA Family Reunification in Ireland”, available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
This policy document, which is currently under review, sets out the criteria and requirements for any person considering making an application to be joined by family members in the State.
