Our Evolving Request Edit dated 01st April 2025: Digitalisation & Electronic Visas

To: Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

In light of continued issues, we now seek the following to reduce the administrative burden on families and immigration services. Specifically, we request:

1️⃣ Digital Application Form via INIS Online Portal
We request that the Department of Justice move the re-entry visa request process to the INIS Online Portal, allowing families to apply via a structured, digital form instead of submitting a free-text query through the INIS Digital Contact Centre.

This will:
✅ Reduce uncertainty around what documents are required
✅ Enable faster processing of applications
✅ Ensure consistency and fairness in visa decisions

2️⃣ Electronic Visa / Travel Authorisation Instead of Passport Stamp
We propose introducing an electronic re-entry visa (eVisa) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead of requiring a physical passport stamp at Burgh Quay.

An eVisa would:
✅ Eliminate the need for in-person appointments, saving time and resources
✅ Allow faster processing and verification for both Irish authorities and airlines
✅ Ensure that children have valid, official documentation without excessive delays

Lastly, instead of issuing a single-entry visa, we propose a system that allows for a multi-entry electronic authorisation, reducing the need for repeated applications and avoiding future travel disruptions.

Why These Changes Are Urgent
🚨 Families should not have to jump through bureaucratic hoops every time they travel.
🚨 A modern, digital process will make travel smoother while reducing the burden on immigration authorities.
🚨 Other countries already issue electronic visas and travel authorisations—Ireland must modernise its system.

We urge the Department of Justice to prioritise these reforms immediately to prevent further disruptions for families of non-EU minors in Ireland.

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15th January 2025

To: Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

We, the undersigned, are writing to highlight an issue faced by parents of non-EU minors legally residing in Ireland during international travel. The absence of an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card for children under 16 years of age is creating unnecessary confusion and stress for families.

While we greatly appreciate the Department of Justice's decision to suspend the re-entry visa requirements for children under 16 years old, the lack of tangible residency documentation for minors under 16 continues to result in:

1. Airline Staff Confusion: Airlines unfamiliar with Irish immigration policies often expect minors to hold an IRP card, which has led to delays and, in some cases, denied boarding.
2. Immigration Challenges Abroad: Immigration officers in other countries often require tangible proof of residency, such as an IRP card, which minors under 16 do not possess.
3. Travel Delays and Disruptions: Even when parents provide valid passports, IRP cards, and proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificates), the absence of residency documentation for minors causes avoidable delays and confusion.

These challenges disrupt travel plans and create unnecessary stress for families.

We are not seeking costly or complex measures, such as extending IRP card issuance to minors under 16. Instead, we respectfully request the introduction of a simple residency confirmation letter in an electronic format for non-EU minors, which would:

• State the child’s full name, date of birth, and legal residency status in Ireland.
• Include the parent or legal guardian’s details to link the child’s residency to their permission.
• Be issued electronically or in a standardised format that is widely recognised by immigration authorities and airlines.

This straightforward and cost-effective solution would:

• Help clarify the legal residency status of minors.
• Prevent unnecessary travel delays and disruptions for families.
• Avoid the financial burden of issuing IRP cards for minors.

We urge the Department of Justice to prioritise this matter and implement a simple, practical solution to address these travel challenges for families of non-EU minors in Ireland.

Yours truly,
@TheSCRedemption