Dublin: Ireland is witnessing a significant rise in visa applications from India, with nearly 200,000 Indians applying in the first four months of this year. Data from the Justice Minister reveals India leads in visitor, student, and work visas.
Around 40,000 Indians have sought employment in Ireland, making up 48% of all employment visa applications in April 2024. With a high success rate, 90% of these applicants are expected to secure jobs by August. If this trend continues, Indian applicants may reach a record high by the end of the year. The Philippines and Pakistan follow with 12% and 6.3% of applications, respectively.
In student visas, India is also at the forefront, with 44,686 applications, making up 28% of the total. These students are expected to arrive in Ireland by September and October. China and Russia follow with 15% and 12% of applications, respectively.
India also dominates visitor visas, with 122,303 applications, accounting for 23% of the total. Many applicants are family members of Indians already working in Ireland. China and Russia follow with 12% and 8.7% of applications, respectively.
Ireland’s relationship with India dates back to 1949 when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited as the first national guest of honor. Since then, diplomatic and professional ties have strengthened, prompting the current wave of visa applications.