Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 (DFA) in their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families from Sudan. Where necessary, we are continuing to work closely with the DFA on a case by case basis assisting any remaining Irish citizens who are evacuating Sudan with their family.

Sudanese nationals are visa required and must have a valid Irish entry visa before they seek to enter the State. Any visa required national that wishes to enter the State, and remain, for up to 90 days must have a Type C Short Stay Visa. A visa required national that wishes to reside in the State for longer than 90 days must have a Type D Long Stay Visa. The Family Reunification Unit which process applications made under the International Protection Act 2015 is prioritising Sudanese applications where possible.

Any person that wishes to make a visa application can do so online at:

www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx

It is open to the persons affected who have family members here to apply for a visa. 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.