Visa Backlog Hinders Indian Nurses’ Dreams of Working in Ireland
Visa logjam for Indian Nurses
According to a report by The Irish Times, around 850 highly-qualified nurses from India and other countries who wish to work in Ireland are facing significant delays in their visa applications. These delays have created a “logjam,” leaving the nurses unable to proceed with their plans.
The extended waiting times have caused many nurses to miss their exam slots, resulting in the need to wait for the next available exam, pay the fee once again, and apply for a new three-month visa.
To be eligible for employment in Ireland, these nurses are required to pass the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) exam, which necessitates obtaining a temporary visa costing 250 euros (approximately Rs 22,000) and paying an examination fee of 3,000 euros (approximately Rs 2.6 lakh).
As per information provided on the Department of Justice website, the current estimated processing time for visa applications is around 35 working days. The department advises applicants to anticipate a minimum processing period of 20 working days.
The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi stated that by April 30, 2023, there was a 40% rise in visa application volume compared to 2022, and a 75% increase compared to 2019. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) stated that it provides refunds for exam fees in most situations, such as when a candidate is not able to travel.