Yesterday, August 12, the Department of Justice released another round of study visa decisions for Palestinian nationals. The Department has now confirmed to the University Times that 24 additional long-stay study visas were refused, and 13 more were accepted. This puts the total number of long-stay rejections at 51 and acceptances at 22.
Last year, 144 long-stay visas were granted and 22 were refused.
So far, the department has received 120 long-stay study visa applications.
The Department also confirmed yesterday that it has no plans to make special arrangements for Palestinian nationals, despite the fact that they face unique barriers to entry to Ireland.
Visas are examined by the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv, and according to the Department of Justice, are in “regular contact” with the department.
Trinity Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) said the following in a statement to the University Times: “Let that sink in.
The Irish government is not just failing these students. They have actively reversed their policy. They are refusing students who have survived genocide, who have earned places at Irish universities, who have done everything asked of them. And now the Department has confirmed they have no plans to make special arrangements for Palestinian nationals.
No plans. Despite the fact that Gaza’s banking and postal systems have collapsed. Despite the fact that 95% of universities have been destroyed. Despite the fact that proving “obligations to return home” to a mass grave and tents is obscene. Despite the fact that Spain is conducting mass evacuations of students. Despite the fact that the UK has admitted over 100.
No plans.
This is a political choice. Jim O’Callaghan is choosing to block these students. All while claiming to support Palestine.
The Department of Justice can confirm numbers now. What they cannot confirm is a single good reason for this cruelty.
Join us.
16:30, Wednesday, 19 August
Department of Justice, St Stephen’s Green
We will not stop until every student is given the future they have earned. If your organisation, union, or society wishes to endorse our campaign, email: bds@tcdsu.org”
