Holly Cairns
Ceist:806. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the measures in place to alleviate the backlog and streamline the visa application process for family reunification. [11728/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 20 March 2024
Ceisteanna (806)
Freagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that while the current processing times for Join family visa applications may vary across the different visa decision making centres globally, that processing times are largely in line with the expected processing times published across the Immigration Service Delivery websites of 6 months for Irish citizens and 12 months for Non-EEA nationals.
I am accurately aware that Join family Visa applications are very important for the persons impacts and acknowledge that improvements can be made.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has established a modernisation programme to transform its immigration operations to provide a modern, transparent and accessible Immigration system that is faster, easier to access and more efficient for all its users. This ambitious programme of modernisation is aimed at improving the service we provide and is receiving significant ongoing financial investment.
The modernisation programme will replace legacy immigration management systems, introducing a single view, on a single platform, of an individual’s engagement with all aspects of immigration services. When delivered, this platform will significantly improve customer service capacity with comprehensive self-service functionality, and enhanced border security capability and capacity. As a consequence of the roll-out of the programme, we expect to see more expedited case processing in Join Family visa applications and other areas.
As part of the overall process of modernisation the Visa Division are exploring a number of short term enhancements to the existing Visa systems which aim to enhance the applicant experience across all categories of visa application but also improve processing times. Once these enhancements are ready to be rolled out across the Visa network my department will update the ISD website so that applicants are aware of the changes.