Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2017
110. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when changes were made last to the conditions of eligibility for a class 3 visa; the changes made to these conditions; the reasons for the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51332/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy's question relates to permission to be in the State, and not the grant of a visa. All non-EEA nationals residing in the State must have a valid immigration permission to remain. A permission will have certain conditions attached, for example it may be a condition that the person is not entitled to work, or a permission that allows the holder to study in the State, or that the person may work but only if he or she is in possession of an employment permit granted by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
The specific conditions attaching to an immigration permission under the general heading "Stamp 3" are that the holder of a Stamp 3 permission is permitted to remain in Ireland on conditions that he or she does not enter employment, does not engage in any business or profession and does not remain later than a specified date. These conditions have not been changed. In the main, this stamp is given to visitors, tourists, spouses of work permit holders, persons receiving medical treatment, and persons volunteering in the State.
From time to time, however, in line with operational requirements, other persons may be granted a Stamp 3 type permission based on the individual circumstances attaching to that particular person's presence in the State.
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind he should write to my officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) who will examine the circumstances and advise accordingly.
