Minister must act on Gaza student visas after High Court ruling – Harmon
Minister must act on Gaza student visas after High Court ruling – Harmon - The Labour Party
Labour further and higher education spokesperson Senator Laura Harmon has called on Minister for Justice to urgently review refused visa applications from students in Gaza, following today’s High Court ruling that a student’s visa refusal should be overturned.
Senator Harmon said:
“This student should never have had to take a case to the High Court for the opportunity to study in Ireland. Much of Gaza’s educational infrastructure has been destroyed, and students have seen their education interrupted by war.
“Irish universities have stepped forward to offer students from Gaza a chance to continue their education. Yet some students who have secured fully funded scholarships have had their visa applications refused on questionable grounds.
“The Minister must take account of the reality of conditions in Gaza and the difficulties students face in obtaining documents when essential services and infrastructure have been devastated.
“Courses have already begun, and students who have worked hard to secure their places risk losing them. Minister O’Callaghan must urgently review outstanding refusals and appeals, and act so that the rest of the students can take up the places they have been offered.”