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Visa Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023

Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Ceisteanna (517)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

517. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to reports that there is a 15 to 16-week delay in Limerick for the renewal of residency cards for individuals on Stamp 4 visas; if there is a plan in place to deal with this significant backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7154/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) through the Garda Station network.

I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that there is currently a 12-week waiting time for customers seeking an appointment at Henry Street Immigration Office. There continues to be significant pressure on immigration services in the Limerick Division, as reflected in the table below.

Registration Renewals for Year Ending;

Total

2017

6,054

2018

6,489

2019

8,053

2020

8,374

2021

8,409

2022

11,400

During 2022, 11,400 customers were registered through the Henry Street Immigration Office. This figure is increasing year on year, with a near 100% increase in registrations since 2017.

I have been advised that every effort is being made to reduce the waiting time. Additional staff are due to undergo immigration training in the coming weeks. Options are also being explored to increase the capacity of the immigration office to allow more cases to be dealt with each day. The opening hours have been extended with the Immigration Office now open seven days a week from 7am until 10pm.

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