Ireland has seen a significant rise in the number of passport applications in recent years, with more and more people seeking to secure their Irish citizenship. The increase in demand for Irish passports is believed to be a result of Brexit and the uncertainties surrounding citizenship rights in the United Kingdom post-Brexit.
The Irish Passport Office has been inundated with applications from individuals living in the UK who want to ensure they can retain their EU citizenship. The process of applying for an Irish passport can be complex and time-consuming, but for many, it is worth the effort to have the freedom to travel and work within the European Union.
One such individual is Sarah O’Connor, a British citizen who has lived and worked in London for the past ten years. Sarah decided to apply for an Irish passport following the Brexit vote in 2016, as she was concerned about how her rights as an EU citizen would be affected. “I have always felt a strong connection to Ireland through my family heritage, so applying for an Irish passport felt like a natural step for me,” Sarah explained.
The process of applying for an Irish passport requires applicants to provide proof of their Irish ancestry or residency in Ireland. For Sarah, this involved gathering documents such as her birth certificate, her parents’ marriage certificate, and proof of her grandparents’ Irish citizenship. She also had to provide evidence of her residency in Ireland, such as utility bills and bank statements.
After submitting her application, Sarah had to wait several months for a decision to be made by the Irish Passport Office. The wait was nerve-wracking for her, as she was eager to secure her Irish citizenship before the Brexit deadline. Finally, after six months, Sarah received the news that her application had been approved, and she was now the proud owner of an Irish passport.
Sarah’s story is just one example of the many individuals who are seeking to secure their Irish citizenship through the passport application process. The Irish Passport Office has seen a 20% increase in applications from individuals living in the UK since the Brexit vote, with many citing concerns about their future rights as EU citizens.
In response to the surge in demand, the Irish Passport Office has ramped up its efforts to process applications more efficiently. The office has hired additional staff and implemented new technology to streamline the application process and reduce waiting times for applicants.
Despite these efforts, there have been some challenges in meeting the high demand for Irish passports. The office has faced criticism for long wait times and delays in processing applications, leading to frustration among applicants who are eager to secure their citizenship.
In an effort to address these issues, the Irish government has announced plans to expand the capacity of the Passport Office and invest in new technology to improve the application process. The government has also introduced measures to simplify the application process for individuals with Irish ancestry, making it easier for them to secure their citizenship.
Overall, the rise in passport applications from individuals seeking Irish citizenship is a reflection of the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and the desire for many to retain their EU rights. While the process of applying for an Irish passport can be challenging, for many, it is a small price to pay for the freedom and security that comes with EU citizenship.
