Written answer
Student Visas
Palestinian students refused study visas may appeal individually; appeals are being expedited, with applications and decisions through August 2026 detailed in departmental statistics.
881. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on the application for student visas of students from Gaza; the number of applications that have been approved; and the stage at which all applications are at. [64843/26]
Comment on this
908. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will re-examine the decision to refuse 31 out of 59 Palestinian students who applied for study visas despite having secured full scholarships at Irish universities; if he accepts that Israel's genocidal rampage in Gaza and widespread destruction of infrastructure, educational institutions and homes makes it almost impossible for these students to obtain some of the original documentary evidence requested; and if he will take these difficulties into account when examining their applications. [65003/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 881 and 908 together.
Any individual who has been refused a study visa may appeal that decision. Details of the appeals process, including how an appeal may be submitted, are provided to applicants in their refusal letter.
Visa appeals are considered by a Visa Appeals Officer on the basis of all information and documentation submitted in support of the appeal. Each appeal is assessed on its individual merits and having regard to the particular circumstances of the case.
I can advise the Deputy that visa appeals are processed in a manner that is fair to all applicants. Appeals are being progressed as quickly as possible and decisions will issue as soon as full consideration has been given to each case.
The table below details study visa applications and decisions for Palestinian nationals in 2026, up to 31 August.
Table 1. Study visas and decisions for Palestinian nationals in 2026 (up to 31 August)
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
* A decision made in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
* It is the policy of my Department not to release numbers where there are less than 5 in respect of any nationality, as there is a possibility that a person may be identifiable by releasing such information.