Written Answers - Visa Applications. Thursday, 30 September 2004

Dáil Eireann Debate Vol. 589 No. 2 Page of 217

  219.  Aengus Ó Snodaigh      asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform      the reason the Government has adopted the policy of preventing spouses here on family reunification visas from working; and his views on whether this policy is unfair and should be reversed. [23129/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):    I presume the Deputy is referring to the provisions of section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996, which provides a transparent statutory framework for family reunification for refugees.

Under the aforementioned section, a refugee may apply for family members to join him or her in the State. If the application is approved family reunification visas are issued to the family members in question. Such family members are entitled, on arrival in the State, to work without obtaining work permits.

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Last Updated: 04/11/2010 12:08:01

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