John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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1313. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications that have been received under the Afghan admission programme; when it is expected that applicants will receive a notification of a decision on their application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21150/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Afghan Admission Programme closed for applications on 11 March 2022 and my Department received 528 applications in total. Officials in my Department are currently processing all applications and expect to issue decisions in the coming months.

The application form has been designed so that all applicants are treated fairly and equally in their applications. Applicants can be assured that my officials will correspond with them directly once a decision has been made on their application.  

The Programme is unique across the EU and has enabled current or former Afghan nationals living legally in Ireland to apply to have their eligible close family members, who are living in Afghanistan or who have recently fled to eligible territories bordering Afghanistan, to apply for temporary residence in Ireland. The eligible neighbouring countries are: Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.