James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The visa sticker issued for the application referred to by the Deputy had a validity period from 21 October 2020 to 21 April 2021. In the normal course of events, the person concerned could travel to Ireland between the dates of validity, including the first and last dates on the visa, and travel outside of these dates would not be permitted.

However, the travel restrictions and the measures introduced as part of the Government’s efforts to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19 has meant that travel may not be possible during this time and even if possible was not advisable unless absolutely essential. It is therefore open to the Visa Office to consider, on a case by case basis, issuing a new visa without the need to make another visa application. 

If the individual concerned could not travel before the expiry of their current visa, they should send their passport to the Visa Office, Embassy or Honorary Consulate to which they would  submit a new application and include: 

- A cover letter explaining why the visa was not used; 

- A letter from their employer stating employment is still available to them;

- Any other information which they would like the Visa Officer to take into account when deciding if a new visa will be issued without making a new application.  

If the original Employment Permit (or Atypical Working Authorisation) has expired or is expiring soon then they will also need to submit a new Employment Permit or Atypical Working Authorisation.

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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), 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.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The visa sticker issued for the application referred to by the Deputy had a validity period from 21 October 2020 to 21 April 2021. In the normal course of events, the person concerned could travel to Ireland between the dates of validity, including the first and last dates on the visa, and travel outside of these dates would not be permitted.

However, the travel restrictions and the measures introduced as part of the Government’s efforts to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19 has meant that travel may not be possible during this time and even if possible was not advisable unless absolutely essential. It is therefore open to the Visa Office to consider, on a case by case basis, issuing a new visa without the need to make another visa application. 

If the individual concerned could not travel before the expiry of their current visa, they should send their passport to the Visa Office, Embassy or Honorary Consulate to which they would be submitting a new application and include:

- A cover letter explaining why the visa was not used; 

- A letter from their employer stating employment is still available to them;

- Any other information which they would like the Visa Officer to take into account when deciding if a new visa will be issued without making a new application.  

If the original Employment Permit (or Atypical Working Authorisation) has expired or is expiring soon then they will also need to submit a new Employment Permit or Atypical Working Authorisation.

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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), 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.

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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1343. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the visa options that are available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39440/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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From 16 June 2021, my Department lifted certain country specific and temporary entry and transit visa restrictions which were brought into effect on 28 January 2021. As a result of this decision, nationals from South Africa, Brazil and some South American countries are no longer visa required. All travellers must continue to comply fully with the public health measures required by law.

South African nationals may seek to enter and reside in the State on visitors conditions for up to 90 days. Any non EU/EEA nationals, including South African nationals, who wish to remain for longer than 90 days must register with their local immigration office and apply for further permission to remain before their initial permission to remain expires. Full details of the registration process can be found at: 

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Entry into the State is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individual to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland ready for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry. The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation presented, refuse entry to the State or grant a lesser period than three months. People who wish to reside in the State, should prepare documentary evidence of private health insurance, along with details of finances to show how they will be able to maintain themselves, or be maintained, whilst in the State.