Dublin: Justice Minister Helen McEntee has committed to accelerating the family reunification visa process by appointing additional staff in the coming months. In a statement, the minister explained that visa applications have surged by 20%, leading to a significant backlog. Over 123,000 visa applications were submitted in the first seven months of 2024, with family reunification requests facing the most extended delays.
While most visa applications are processed within a few weeks, the minister acknowledged that family reunification visas, particularly “join family” visas, often take considerably longer. Minister McEntee expressed understanding of the frustration caused by these delays, assuring applicants that the government is actively working to expedite the process.
Commitment to Security and Efficiency
The minister emphasised the importance of thorough screening in the visa process to ensure that individuals entering Ireland have legal validity prior to travel. She noted that verification of each application is an essential part of the country’s immigration system, requiring time to complete. The duration of visa processing is influenced by several factors, including the type and complexity of the application, the personal circumstances of the applicant, and the quality and completeness of the submitted documents.
Minister McEntee assured applicants that the government is fully committed to improving the service for family reunification visas. “I am well aware of the challenges faced by applicants in this category,” she stated, adding that additional resources, including staff and improved systems, have been allocated to the department’s visa division. These measures are expected to reduce wait times for family reunification applications in the coming months.
Non-EEA Visa Applications Dominated by Indian Nationals
The minister also highlighted that the highest number of non-EEA family reunification visa approvals in 2021, 2022, and 2023 were granted to applicants from India. This trend continues to shape Ireland’s immigration landscape, further underlining the need for streamlined visa processing.
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