Ceist:
599 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria used by his Department to assess applications for visa entry into the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8782/98]
Written Answers. - Visa Applications.
The criteria used to assess entry visas depends on the purpose for which the visa is sought. In general, before approving the issue of a visa, my Department has to be satisfied that the applicant will adhere to the conditions relevant to the type of visa sought.
The entry to and stay of non-nationals in the State is governed by the aliens legislation. The various orders under the Aliens Act, 1935, include:
—the Aliens Order, 1946
—the Aliens (Amendment) Order, 1975
—the European Communities (Aliens) Regulations, 1997
—the European Communities (Rights of Residance for non-Economically Active Persons) Regulations, 1997
—the Aliens (Amendment) (No. 3) Order, 1997
I propose to send the Deputy a leaflet on immigration controls prior to arrival in the State. This leaflet contains comprehensive information on visas. I will also place the leaflet in the Oireachtas Library for the information of Deputies.
Seán Haughey
Ceist:600 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures involved to enable a Slovakian national (details supplied) to continue to live and commence work here in view of the fact that her visa expired on 15 March 1998, having entered the country on 15 February 1998; to which Department should she make an initial application in view of the fact that she has a definite offer of a job as a nurse and is registered with the Irish Nursing Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8783/98]
It is an offence under Article 5 of the Aliens Order 1946, as inserted by Article 3 of the Aliens Order 1975, for a person to remain in the State contrary to the conditions subject to which they were given leave to land in the State.
In general, a Slovakian national being a non-European economic area (EEA) national is required to be in possession of a work permit issued to his or her employer in order to take up employment in the State. The issue of a work permit is a matter for my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is preferable that the work permit be obtained prior to the person's arrival in the State.