Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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380. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the join family visa applications in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8180/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The join family visa applications referred to by the Deputy were submitted to the Visa Office in Abuja, Nigeria on 7 March 2019. They were subsequently received by the Dublin Visa office on 20 January 2020, for further processing, in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification.

The Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications to join non-EEA national family members should be dealt with within twelve months of receipt of application. However, it should be noted that this is a business target and does not constitute a legal obligation. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.

It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Visa Office to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Services (ISD) of the Department conduct its business. In line with advice issued by Government, HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), ISD has implemented a suite of measures to help in reducing the spread of the virus. These measures include the closure of our offices in Burgh Quay and the implementation of remote working for Immigration Services staff in order to comply with social and physical distancing measures. Unfortunately, these measures have led to a reduction in processing capacity. While delays are expected including in the processing of family reunification visa applications, ISD is endeavouring to keep operating to the best of its ability.

Further updates will be provided on the Immigration Service website when available, and I would encourage the Deputy to view the updates and the detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the Immigration Service website at:

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Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to visamail@justice.ie.