Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a person (details supplied) might be granted a temporary visa to assist with their mother’s obsequies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33392/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy does not state the nationality of the person referred to. However, it is noted that the address provided is in South Africa and South African nationals are not visa required and may seek to enter and reside in the State on visitors conditions for up to 90 days.
Entry into the State, for both visa required and non-visa required nationals, is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individuals to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry. The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation, the reasons for seeking entry to the State and/or a person’s previous Immigration history, refuse entry to the State or grant permission for a period of less than 3 months.
If they are unsure as to whether they require a visa/preclearance to enter Ireland they can check their nationality on the list at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Visa-and-Non-Visa-Required-Countries.pdf
In order to be fair to all of our applicants, we do not expedite visa applications or appeals. Applications are generally processed in the order in which they are received. Expediting an application is usually confined to time-sensitive instances e.g. where a family member has been hospitalised, in a life-threatening situation or in the unfortunate event of a bereavement.
Any person that wishes to make a visa application must do so online at:
www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx .
When making an emergency application the applicant should select “Other” when they are completing the “What is the reason for travel?” section.
They should briefly explain their circumstances when they are completing the “Purpose of Travel” section. Once they are satisfied with their application they should click “submit” and print a copy of the “Summary Form”.
They must then lodge the summary form together with the relevant fee and supporting documentation with the Irish Embassy as soon as possible. The supporting documentation should be as up to date as possible. Only upon receipt of the necessary documentation & fee, can the visa application be processed further. They should also engage with the embassy explaining the nature of the emergency and provide whatever documentary evidence may be available.
If the applicant believes that their situation meets the criteria listed above, they should mail travelrequest@justice.ie with the subject “EMERGENCY TRAVEL REQUIRED” along with their visa application number. A member of our Customer Service Team will respond to them as soon as possible.
The Customer Service Team will usually seek supporting documentary evidence to verify the situation e.g. a letter from a hospital/doctor or other relevant authority. My Department will work with families, or their representatives, to facilitate the application if possible.Emergency applications will be dealt with on a case by case basis but will, wherever possible, be processed speedily and sympathetically.
For your convenience I have included a link to the contact detail of the embassy below:
www.dfa.ie/embassies/irish-embassies-abroad/sub-saharan-africa/south-africa/
