Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

520. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to support forcibly displaced Sudanese citizens with family members in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24964/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand that this is a difficult situation for our Sudanese community and their loved ones. My Department has assisted the Department of Foreign Affairs in their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families from Sudan. Where necessary, we are continuing to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs on a case by case basis assisting any remaining Irish citizens who are evacuating Sudan with their family.

It is open to the persons affected who have family members here to apply for a visa. The Family Reunification Unit which process applications made under the International Protection Act 2015 is prioritising Sudanese applications where possible.

Due to the unrest in Khartoum the office of Ireland’s Honorary Consul is currently inaccessible. Where possible visa applicants should engage with the nearest available Irish Embassy who can give further information on specific cases. Emergency visa applications will be dealt with on a case by case basis but will, wherever possible, be processed speedily and sympathetically.

Any person that wishes to make a visa application can do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.