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

287. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the high rate of 'pending' visa applications from Iranian citizens in 2024, at 37% compared to, for example, 17% for applications from Afghanistan and 7% for citizens from the Russian Federation, which also have greater absolute numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38573/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised that the Deputy is referring to the information published by my Department regarding the number of long term visa applications received and visa decisions issued in respect of Iranian, Afghani and Russian citizens in 2024. This information is available here: .

I can advise the Deputy that a decision made on a visa application in 2024 may have been on an application received in a previous year. Therefore, it is not possible to identify the number of 'pending' visa applications based on the number of applications received and decisions issued in an individual year.

The processing times for long term visa applications can significantly vary depending on application type. For example, people who apply for a long term employment visas can expect a decision within eight weeks from the date their application is received by the Visa Office or embassy. However, some applications, in particular those to join family members here, can take considerably longer.

I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible. In recent months, additional resources and staff have been assigned to my Department’s Visa Division which I expect will reduce the waiting times for all applications.

Visa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people moving to Ireland for employment, study and family reasons and also to facilitate visitors who wish to travel for business and/or tourism. It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete. Unfortunately, some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely out my Department's control.

Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors and some applications may take considerably longer than average to progress to finalisation. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.

In 2024, approximately 201,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by my Department. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to 2023, or more than 35,000 additional applications received. These increases have continued, in the first five months of 2025, my Department received approximately 88,400 visa applications and has issued over 76,900 decisions. This reflects an increase in applications of 14%, compared to the same period in 2024, with over 10,700 additional applications received.

My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 5,400 additional visa decisions have issued in the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

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

288. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding the refusal of student visas for all the applicants for the joint undergraduate accounting programme established between colleges (details supplied), which has been in preparation since 2O21, with this first group of students set to complete two semesters, commencing in the summer of 2025. [38574/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer, the visa applications referred to were refused. Refusal letters issued to the applicants which outline the reasons for these refusals.

I appreciate that this decision has likely caused disappointment. However, an appeals process is available which allows people, in the event of a refusal, to address the factors which gave rise to that decision.

It is open to the people involved to appeal these decisions, in writing, within two months of the date of the refusal.

All visa applicants are advised that the responsibility is on them to provide as much information in support of their applications as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on my Department's website. Applicants who carefully follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

When making an appeal, the applicants should consider the reasons for refusal listed in the refusal letters. The appeals should include any further information or additional documentation they wish to have considered and should be sent for the attention of the Visa Appeals Officer, in the relevant Visa Office, where the matter will be considered afresh. They will find further details on the appeals process at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/appeal-a-negative-decision/.

As an Oireachtas member, the Deputy can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, 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 Question process.