A group of about 16 Iranian scholars and researchers have protested in front of the Irish Embassy in Tehran, after not receiving a decision on their visa applications for more than one year.
In a statement disclosed to Schengen.News, one of these protesters pointed out that the protest came as a result of silence from the authorities and a lack of answers on their visa applications.
Throughout the visa waiting period—now over 16 months for some—the communication from the Irish Embassy in Tehran has remained frustratingly static and dismissive. In response to every email sent by applicants, including detailed inquiries and urgent requests, we receive the exact same automated reply: “We shall forward your email below to the Visa Office in Dublin.”
The scholars say that the lack of engagement on behalf of the Embassy leaves applicants feeling “as if our lives and futures do not matter,” Schengen.News reports.
Previously, the Iranian nationals started a petition to urge Irish authorities to process visas at a faster paceas these delays are impacting their careers and also their mental well-being.
Visa Uncertainty Leads to Rising Health Concerns Among Iranian Scholars
One of the scholars, whose name will remain anonymous, has revealed that in recent years they had experienced health concerns that had not occurred prior to this issue with their Irish visas.
This person has reported experiencing emotional distress and health issues during this period, saying this extended uncertainty has left them feeling “powerless.”
I am 29 years old. I have been waiting nearly a full year for the decision on my Irish visa application. During this prolonged period of uncertainty, my mental and physical health have deteriorated significantly. I suffer from persistently high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression—issues that I never faced before this experience. The emotional strain has also deeply affected my family and loved ones.
The same revealed that it had been awarded a full PhD position – a dream come true as the scholar describes, but this position is at risk of being lost if the visa delays persist.
Another scholar, who was a former Marie Curie scholar, has disclosed that they were forced to give up this position due to visa issues.
I was awarded one of the most prestigious academic scholarships in Europe—the Marie Curie fellowship—for a project based in Ireland… After 13 months of waiting without a decision on my visa application, I was forced to give up the position. This was a devastating blow, both professionally and personally.
This person reveals that insisting on Ireland as the right place for them and rejecting other offers has cost them a lot, later being followed by depression and physical health issues.
Recently, this person has secured a position in another country – an opportunity they decided to take eventually, but they do confess that this experience has discouraged them from pursuing an academic career in the Irish territory, with the administrative and visa issues being the sole reason.