‘I have built a life here’

A Sri Lankan woman living in Nenagh has shared her pain and frustration over a prolonged visa process that has prevented her children from joining her here.

Shivaniee Nadarajah, better known to many here as ‘Shivi’, came to Ireland five years ago. She met a Nenagh man and has been living in the town for the last four years.

Shivi is perhaps best known locally for her Instagram page, ‘Nenagh Through My Lens’, where she shares artistic photographs of the town and surrounds. She has volunteered locally with the Parkinson’s Association, Alone and on the board of Nenagh Credit Union. She is currently working as a senior analyst with Northern Trust in Limerick and studying for a MSc in digital marketing (her second master’s degree) at Waterford SETU.

But Shivi left a life behind her in Sri Lanka where she has a daughter aged 12 and a son (9). They are being cared for by her parents, both of whom are elderly and are now experiencing significant health issues.

Shivi applied for a visa for her children a year ago but understands it could take another year to process their applications. There is no indication as to whether the applications will be granted. She has contacted several local representatives but none of them have been able to progress her situation.

‘TIPPING POINT’

“I’m really, really at the tipping point now,” said Shivi, fearing that her parents are no longer able to look after her children in Sri Lanka. “All I need is just a visa. I’m not asking for free money or free accommodation, or any pity or sympathy – no. Just a reasonable request because my circumstances have changed and I need help here.”

Despite encountering problems with her own visa application, Shivi secured residency in Ireland. The 46-year-old spoke of making a positive contribution to society since her arrival here.

“I love Ireland. I contribute to society and I am a taxpayer. I came to this country legally – through the proper process.”

Shivi said her situation differs to that of other immigrants she sees arriving into this state and receiving support despite making no discernible contribution to society.

“What makes this even harder to understand is seeing people who arrive in the country without documentation or any contribution history receiving support and accommodation much more quickly, while law-abiding, tax-paying immigrants who contribute to the country are left struggling to reunite with their families.”

‘MENTAL STRESS’

“The family reunification process is supposed to support families who are legally settled and contributing to Ireland, yet my experience has been the opposite. This entire process has caused significant mental stress for me, my children, and my elderly parents.”

Shivi appreciates that Ireland has a huge backlog of applications and is trying to manage the numbers coming into this country. She speaks at length about her understanding of the immigration system and the need to prioritise cases, but believes her own case has not been afforded the priority it merits.

“Ireland is nice but the system is wrong,” said Shivi, who has made numerous representations to the Department of Justice about her situation. “Nobody wants to listen to me because I am just one in one million cases,” she added. “I’m exhausted, I’m tired and I’m worried.”

‘I LOVE NENAGH’

Shivi regards Nenagh as her home now. She yearns for the day her children can join her here, believing they will grow up in a friendly and welcoming community.

“I love Nenagh. I feel at home – I don’t feel as a stranger. When I walk on the street, people recognise me: ‘Hello, Shivi’. People are friendly and people are so nice… I never heard any negative comments from anybody.”

She held an exhibition of her photographs two years ago and plans to hold more at Nenagh Arts Centre and Nenagh Library this summer. She talked about the freedom she feels here and being able to do things she could not do back in Sri Lanka.

Shivi said she came from a “warzone”; her childhood memories include hearing bombs falling as she went to school. One of her first impressions on arriving in Nenagh was how people talk so much about hurling, camogie, soccer and rugby. They asked her if she ever played sport.

“I never had the opportunity to play sports, because of war. It’s a bonus if you survive one day… life is so different here than the life I grew up.”

She said she was in an abusive relationship but told of how her children suffered from institutional stigma once she became a single mother, a situation very different to what she has observed in Ireland.

“Here, people don’t see me differently. They see me as Shivi.”

‘NOT ONE STORY’

From her immigrant’s perspective, the only negative is Ireland’s handling of visa applications for family members of those making a meaningful contribution to this country. Shivi said she is aware of many other immigrant families in a similar position.

“It’s not one story,” she said. “This is my story.”

Last week she wrote a letter to the Taoiseach: “Many hardworking immigrant families continue contributing to Ireland every day while silently carrying emotional pain and uncertainty behind closed doors. Many are afraid to speak publicly because they fear judgment, cyber bullying, or possible negative impacts on their immigration matters.”

Drawing parallels with the Irish history of emigration, Shivi said she came to this country in search of a better life. Now she fears having to give up that life and returning to Sri Lanka.

“I have built a life here,” she said though tears. “I don’t want to break that.”

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE

Asked for comment on the matter, the Department of Justice issued a statement pointing out that it does not comment on individual cases.

“The department are acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted and that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland. The department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months.

“It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.

“While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of the department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.”