Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the visa requirements for Kuwait nationals who wish to visit family members studying or working here; his views on whether these requirements are administered in an efficient a way as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35055/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is open to any visa required national to apply for a visa for any purpose and citizens of Kuwait are no different from other visa required nationals in this regard.

I can advise that each visa application is considered on its individual merits, the onus as always resting with the applicant to establish to the satisfaction of the Visa Officer as to why the visa sought should be granted. Visa applications for Kuwaiti nationals are handled by the Irish Visa Office, Abu Dhabi. That office is an office of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (I.N.I.S.) and it handles all aspects of visa applications inclusive of appeals. In general 'visit' visa applications for Kuwaiti nationals are considered within one - five working days of receipt. This time frame is dependent on all the required documentation being provided with no queries remaining outstanding. Applicants are advised to lodge their applications two - three weeks in advance of the proposed date of travel. At present the services of courier companies are utilised in order to return documents such as passport etc. to the applicant(s) concerned.

I am satisfied that the current visa application process is administered in an efficient manner and timely manner. However, as with all I.N.I.S. Visa Offices abroad the administrative processes and procedures remain continuously under review.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the Visa Waiver Programme applies to holders of certain types of UK short stay visas from sixteen selected countries, including Kuwait. This pilot programme allows persons who are in possession of the relevant type of UK visa and who have been granted permission to enter the UK on foot of that visa to also travel to Ireland without the need to apply for an Irish visa.

Guidelines on the visa application process for nationals of Kuwait, including details of the required supporting documentation can be found on the website - (www.embassyofireland.ae).