Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2022
281. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered introducing a six-month visitor visa, similar to that which is in place in the United States, to allow non-Irish immediate family members of an Irish citizen to visit their family member in Ireland for a maximum of six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that non-EEA Nationals, whether visa required or not, may visit the State for up to a maximum of 90 days. The 90 day limit is the typical period for a short stay permission within the European Union.
The 90 day limit is not arbitrary but is linked with the provisions in the Immigration Act 2004, which requires any persons residing in the State for more than 90 days to register their permission to be in the State with the relevant Immigration Office. In effect, such persons who are in the State for longer than 90 days are considered to be residing in Ireland as opposed to merely on a visit.
A person may apply for a long-stay visa such as a "join family" visa, which is appropriate when they wish to reside with a family member for longer than 90 days. Such an application would be processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Department's Policy Document on non-EEA Family Reunification which is available at the following link:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Family%20Reunification%20Policy%20Document.pdf/Files/Family%20Reunification%20Policy%20Document.pdf
Each visa application is decided on its own merits taking all relevant factors into account.
Having set out the general position above I can also advise that it is open to applicants to apply for a multi entry visa, which may be of benefit to some applicants. Any person applying for a short stay ‘C’ visa may apply for either a single or a multiple entry visa. Multiple entry visas are usually only issued to an applicant who has shown a compliant travel history.
The policy considerations underpinning decisions on applications for multiple entry visas are available at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/single-multiple-visas/
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. While all immigration schemes are kept under review, currently, there are no plans to revise the existing duration of short stay visas.
