Written answers
Tuesday, 5 March 2024
Department of Justice and Equality
Visa Applications
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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471. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality which visas are most suitable for Palestinians in Gaza to apply for in order to be permitted to enter Ireland; which visas are most suitable specifically for those with no family here, but who have previously resided in Ireland and for family members of such individuals; her Department's current policy on approving visa applications for Palestinians from Gaza; to provide a breakdown of available visas for Palestinians and guidance on which are most suitable for different categories of applicant, including guidance on making a successful application; if her Department will publish guidance in Arabic to potential applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9990/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.
I understand from colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs that a small number of Irish citizens or immediate dependants of Irish citizens remain in Gaza. That Department continues to advocate with the authorities in relation to those who have not yet been able to leave, including the immediate dependants of Irish citizens.
Ireland supports the entry of migrants through many legal pathways. It is the case that citizens of the Palestinian National Authority are visa required and must have a valid Irish entry visa before they seek to enter the State.
Details of these legal pathways and guidance on making a successful application for each category can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/.
I can also advise that this website is available in English and twelve other languages including Arabic.
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