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Visa Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022

Tuesday, 17 May 2022

Ceisteanna (619)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

619. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the current average wait time for consideration of appeals to refusal of short-stay holiday visa applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24822/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are seven overseas visa offices that process appeals for short stay “C” visas. Appeals are also processed in the Dublin Visa Office of my Department.

The Dublin Visa Office is currently processing appeals for short stay visit visas received, in Dublin, on 16 May 2022. Processing times for the other visa offices can be found on my Department's immigration website www.irishimmigration.ie/visadecisions.

The processing time at each office is determined by a number of factors such as the volume and complexity of applications, whether investigation is required or not, individual circumstances, peak application periods, seasonal factors, and the resources available. All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the immigration website. Applicants that follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

The Deputy can be assured that every effort is made to keep processing times to a minimum, and a number of measures have been put in place to deal with the increased demand for visas to come to Ireland. This has included the assignment of additional staff to deal with applications and appeals, and more generally the streamlining of visa processes, where possible.

The central concern in deciding on visa applications, as with all visa services worldwide, 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 and appeal is, therefore, decided on its own merits taking all factors into account.

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