Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
1026. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice to consider measures to facilitate emergency visitor visas for grieving non-EU family members in the event of the death of a migrant or an Irish citizen with family overseas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1656/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that where the Visa services of my Department receive requests for visas in time-sensitive genuine emergency circumstances that such applications are treated sympathetically and facilitated whenever possible.
In those circumstances, the applicant should follow the standard on-line application process using the AVATS system www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx, and indicate as part of that process the nature of the emergency. This can be done by giving the additional relevant information under the “Other” option in the on-line form under the ‘Reason for Travel’ section.
The applicant will then need to submit their passport and supporting documentation to their nearest Embassy, Consulate, Visa Office or Visa Application Centre as appropriate. The documentation should include evidence to verify the situation e.g. a bereavement notice, letter from a hospital/doctor or other relevant authority. The website shown on the Application Form provides details on how to submit the application, supporting documentation, and the application fee (if one is payable).
To keep track on-line of the progress of their application or to provide further information, the applicant can register for an account on the Department’s Digital Contact Centre (DCC) which can be accessed using the following link portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
It is also open to the applicant to make follow up contact with their appropriate Embassy, Consulate, Visa Office or Visa Application Centre regarding their application where, for example, online access is difficult or circumstances require direct contact.
