Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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467. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if an urgent decision could be made on an application (details supplied) considering that the applicant has an extremely urgent reason requiring immediate travel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41593/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 02 May 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Abu Dhabi Visa Office on the 13 June 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.

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.

It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. 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.

The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.

Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions

It is also noted that the person referred to was issued with an Irish multi entry visit visa which is valid until 20 March 2025. This will enable them to travel to the State and remain on visitor conditions for up to 90 days.

The Immigration officer at the port of entry will determine, on each occasion, whether they may enter the State and the duration of their permission to remain.

It is open to the applicant to request their passport back while they are awaiting a decision on their visa application. This request should be forwarded directly to the Visa Office quoting the application number. The Visa Office can be contacted at:

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at:, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.