Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

394. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which persons awaiting process of their application for residency and naturalisation status have had their status temporarily extended during the Covid-19 crisis in view of the fact that some persons might not be a position to access social or medical services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11498/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The restrictions attendant to the current Covid-19 pandemic have regrettably resulted in significant challenges to the delivery of normal services. As a result of these restrictions, the Immigration Service Delivery, along with many other public and private sector organisations is experiencing significant disruption in delivering its core functions.

Working within these restrictions, public safety and the wellbeing of staff are of course both urgent priorities. However I can assure the Deputy that the matter is receiving ongoing attention and as soon as a practical plan is in place for the re-commencement of normal service delivery, notifications will be placed on our website (www.inis.gov.ie). 

On 13 May 2020, I announced that immigration permissions, due to expire between 20 May 2020 and 20 July 2020, would be automatically extended for two months.  

This includes people in Ireland on short stay visas and those whose permissions have already been extended by the previous notice, which extended permissions between 20 March 2020 and 20 May 2020. The renewal of the permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions are attached regarding the access to state services.  As a result of this automatic renewal of permissions , the requirement to present at an Immigration registration office to register or renew a permission is also temporarily suspended.

In relation to persons with existing permission under Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive), the automatic renewal is subject to the requirement that the person is complying with the requirements of the Directive.

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