Written answers

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Department of Justice and Equality

Visa Numbers

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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274. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of student and work visas that were granted to workers from outside the European Economic Area in 2012 and to date in 2013. [43557/13]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may wish to note that not all non-EEA nationals are required to be in possession of a visa in order to travel to Ireland for work or study. Many thousands of persons from countries such as the United States of America and Brazil currently working or studying in the State fall into this category.

In relation to visa required non-EEA nationals, I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that the number of study visas granted in 2012 and to end-September 2013 was just under 7,000 and 7,500 respectively.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the holder of a Student visa, who is registered on a "Stamp 2" student permission, is allowed access to the Irish labour market without the need for an employment permit from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. That access is limited to 20 hours per week during academic terms and 40 hours per week during college holidays.

It is not possible to show separately figures solely for visas for the purpose of employment as data relating to employment visas are aggregated with a number of other categories such as short term business, conference and business permission visas, visas for medical professionals and event/performance visas.

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