Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
513. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if she will advise on the situation of overseas nurses who, when recruited were told that after one year in Ireland they would be able to bring their families to join them, who have now learned that in order to do so they must have in excess of €30,000 in their bank account; the potential recourse available to these nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55404/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the position in regard to applications for family reunification is set out in the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which is available on my Department's Immigration Services website at:www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
The Policy Document, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review.
The Policy Document sets out the rationale for applying resource requirements as part of the overall assessment of whether to approve an application for family reunification. In general terms, the sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.
The Policy Document states that a sponsor must have a minimum level of gross income of €30,000 in each of the previous two years. Sponsors with children would require a net income in excess of the current threshold for the Working Family Payment (WFP), formally known as Family Income Support. This threshold is set by the Department of Social Protection, as part of the operation of the WFP generally. In examining such applications, the Department of Justice applies the DSP income levels current at the time of assessment.
Separately, it is open to spouses of General Employment Permit holders to apply for Employment permits in their own right and enter the State and work.
