Visa Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Ceisteanna (325)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

325. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the processing of visa applications by the INIS will recommence; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the closure of the service is causing problems for the hospitality sector, in that chefs from non-EEA countries cannot get their visas on time even though they have been granted work permits; the way in which the backlog in the INIS will be dealt with in due course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12159/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The current position (since 21 March 2020) is that we have temporarily ceased accepting new visa applications with the exception of critical/priority applications including healthcare and supply chain workers.

In line with Government policy, we are preparing for a phased and coordinated resumption of visa operations. A limited relaxation of the current measures started on 22 June 2020 with the acceptance of long stay applications in locations where conditions allow. Any approaches in this area will have regard to the current health and safety advice in relation to the pandemic, conditions in countries of origin, and be consistent with our CTA arrangements with the UK and our EU membership.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the course of the pandemic requires a prudent approach to the relaxation of any measures taken in the interests of public health.

More detailed information on developments is provided on the ISD website.