Written answers
Thursday, 8 February 2024
Department of Justice and Equality
Family Reunification
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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251. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens that have not yet been decided upon; the number of weeks each application has been awaiting a decision; the business target for these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5937/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that there are currently seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi.
As of Close of Business (COB) on 31/01/2024 there were 997 Type D long stay applications awaiting a first instance decision.
The table below provides the average time that a Type D long stay application which is currently awaiting a decision, has been outstanding. This is calculated from the time the documents are lodged with the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office.
| Mission | Length of time awaiting a decision in months |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 5.16 |
| Abuja | 2.24 |
| Ankara | 0.45 |
| Beijing | 3.05 |
| DFA* | 7.06 |
| Dublin | 7.45 |
| London | 2.03 |
| Moscow | 5.3 |
| New Delhi | 3.52 |
*The DFA figure relates to applications submitted to an Embassy of Ireland but forwarded to one of the seven overseas Visa Offices or the Visa Office in Dublin.
**Please note all figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
Total Average: 6.21 Months from all Missions.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application.
However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
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