287. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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]

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: https://data.gov.ie/organization/department-of-justice.

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.