Written answers

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

Visa Applications

Photo of Chris AndrewsChris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
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684. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by Filipino citizens, many of whom are front-line workers employed in the HSE, who have been unable to apply for renewal of their Philippine passports at the embassy in London due to travel restrictions and as a result are facing difficulties renewing their stamps 1 and 4 critical-skill visas; if she has considered a scheme in which skill-based visas are automatically renewed without the requirement to hold a valid passport, in recognition of the service rendered by foreign citizens supporting the health service and economy here during these difficult times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11677/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The difficulties faced by Filipino nationals regarding their ability to obtain new passports at this time are noted by my Department. I recognise that this is clearly a very difficult situation for all involved. The Immigration Service of my Department is not in a position to provide assistance with obtaining new or replacement Filipino national passports and the issuance of same is a matter for the authorities in the Philippines and the individual seeking the passport.

Notwithstanding this, to facilitate applicants who find themselves in this difficult situation and who are awaiting a new/extended document, the Immigration Service will examine each case on its own merits with a view to issuing a six month immigration permission pending receipt of the new/extended document. Applicants should include evidence of their application for a new/extended document when applying to register with the Immigration Service.

Filipino nationals with an existing immigration permission will also have benefitted from the six automatic extensions of immigration permissions provided in response to the pandemic, the most recent to 20 April 2021.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has responsibility for the Employment Permits Scheme.

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