Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2024
194. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice if consideration could be given to having an emergency humanitarian visa scheme for Sudan to allow Sudanese people living and working in Ireland to apply to have family members join them here, even on a temporary basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19617/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has assisted the Department of Foreign Affairs in their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families from Sudan.
At this time there are no plans to establish specific programme in respect of Sudan, however, all existing immigration arrangements and programmes are open to the persons affected by the conflict.
I can advised the Deputy that since 1 April 2023, over 260 long stay visas have been granted to Sudanese nationals to join family members in Ireland. My Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and emergency visa applications are being dealt with on a case by case basis but are, wherever possible, processed speedily and sympathetically.
Due to the unrest in Khartoum the office of Ireland’s Honorary Consul is currently inaccessible. Where possible visa applicants should engage with the nearest available Irish Embassy who can assistance. However, more specifically, the Embassy of Ireland in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi Visa Office) is the main point of contact for queries in relation to Irish visa applications by Sudanese citizens or residents. The Abu Dhabi Visa Office team can be contacted here: www.ireland.ie/en/uae/abudhabi/
Information on visas and how to travel to Ireland is available on the Immigration website here: www.irishimmigration.ie. Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
