In the wake of Brexit and the uncertainty surrounding the future of travel and residency across Europe, there has been a surge in applications for Irish passports among UK citizens. The Irish passport offers a way for UK citizens to retain their European Union citizenship and all the benefits that come with it, including the ability to travel, work, and reside freely throughout the EU.
According to the latest figures released by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, there has been a significant increase in the number of applications for Irish passports from UK citizens in recent months. In the first quarter of this year alone, there was a 50% increase in applications compared to the same period last year. This surge in demand has put pressure on the Irish passport office, with many applicants facing delays in the processing of their applications.
One of the main reasons cited by UK citizens for applying for an Irish passport is the desire to maintain their European citizenship post-Brexit. With the UK officially leaving the EU on January 31st, 2020, many UK citizens have become concerned about the impact Brexit will have on their ability to travel, work, and live in Europe. By obtaining an Irish passport, they can retain their EU citizenship and all the benefits that come with it, such as visa-free travel, access to healthcare, and the right to work in any EU country.
In addition to the benefits of EU citizenship, many UK citizens are also attracted to the ease and convenience of obtaining an Irish passport. Unlike other EU countries, Ireland does not require applicants to renounce their British citizenship in order to obtain an Irish passport. This means that UK citizens can hold dual citizenship and enjoy the privileges of both British and Irish nationality.
To apply for an Irish passport, UK citizens must meet certain criteria, including having at least one Irish grandparent or parent, being born on the island of Ireland, or being married to an Irish citizen. They must also provide proof of their identity, such as a birth certificate, proof of address, and a photo of themselves. The application process can be done online or through the post, and the standard processing time is around 6-8 weeks.
Despite the surge in applications, the Irish passport office has assured applicants that they are working hard to process all applications as quickly as possible. They have hired additional staff and extended their opening hours to cope with the increased demand. However, some applicants have reported delays in receiving their passports, with some waiting up to 12 weeks for their applications to be processed.
For many UK citizens, applying for an Irish passport is not just a practical decision, but a symbolic one as well. It represents a desire to maintain their links to the EU and to ensure that they can continue to enjoy the benefits of European citizenship, even after Brexit. With the deadline for the UK’s transition period fast approaching, more and more UK citizens are expected to apply for Irish passports in the coming months.
In conclusion, the surge in applications for Irish passports from UK citizens highlights the increasing desire to maintain ties with the EU post-Brexit. By obtaining an Irish passport, UK citizens can retain their European citizenship and all the benefits that come with it. While there have been some delays in processing applications, the Irish passport office is working hard to meet the demand and ensure that all applicants receive their passports in a timely manner. With the deadline for the UK’s transition period looming, now is the time for UK citizens to apply for an Irish passport and secure their future in Europe.
