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Pringle calls on Government to overturn visa decision affecting thousands of students in Ireland
- Updated: 18th May 2022
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said thousands of students in Ireland are facing possible loss of their jobs and accommodation in order to comply with visa requirements.
The deputy called for the decision to be overturned, calling it “a nonsensical position” for the Department of Justice to take.
Addressing the Taoiseach in the Dáil today during Questions on Promised Legislation, Deputy Pringle said: “The English Language Students’ Union of Ireland have highlighted that over 2,000 people whose stamp 2 visas are due to expire and who want to continue to study here in Ireland are facing having to leave the country for three months, possibly losing their jobs and accommodation, in order to comply with visa requirements.
“I spoke recently to the Labour Rights Officer of the union, who expressed the anxiety that these students are feeling, especially around the accommodation issue with the ongoing housing crisis.
“True to form, the Department of Justice have issued a typically heartless response, saying there are no plans to further extend these visas.
“It’s a nonsensical position to adopt, I believe,” the deputy said.
Deputy Pringle asked the Taoiseach: “Will you have a word with the Fine Gael Minister for Justice and ask her to overturn this decision?”
