Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
810. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to a requirement with regard to family reunification visa applications which unfairly disadvantages young persons who pursue third level education (details supplied); if same will be investigated to ensure young persons who pursue education are not unfairly disadvantaged in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33125/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the Policy Document on non-EEA Family Reunification which is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie provides a comprehensive statement of national immigration policy in the area of family reunification.
It should be noted that financial capacity is just one of the conditions considered when making a determination on a family reunification application and the circumstances of the parties concerned are considered in the round on a case by case basis. However, financial considerations are important in order to ensure that persons coming to Ireland are in a position to support themselves or to be supported by their sponsor and do not become an economic burden on the State.
In assessing any application, the Visa Officer will have regard to all of the information available to them including any previous applications made. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that any visa sought should be granted and all of the information that the applicant wishes to have taken into consideration should be included with the visa application.
The central concern, as with all visa services worldwide, in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime, while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria. Each visa application is decided on its own merits taking all relevant factors into account.
