Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances whereby a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been refused a visa to join their spouse here in view of the fact that they are legally married and that the marriage is recognised by this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4568/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 15th December, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was taken on 5th January, 2007.

The application was refused because the Visa Officer was not satisfied, on the basis of the documentation submitted, with the bona fides of the relationship. For immigration purposes it is not sufficient for a relationship to have developed over the internet or by telephone/sms. A relationship must include a number of face to face meetings (excluding webcam) between both parties.

An appeal in respect of this decision was received on 22nd January, 2007. However, following a review of the application the Visa Appeals Officer upheld the initial refusal decision.