Irish Passport Applications Surge as Brits Seek Dual Citizenship Post-Brexit
In the wake of Brexit, an increasing number of Brits are seeking dual citizenship with Ireland, leading to a surge in passport applications. The uncertainty surrounding the UK’s departure from the European Union has prompted many UK residents to explore their options for maintaining EU citizenship rights, including acquiring Irish passports through descent or naturalization.
The Irish Passport Office has reported a significant increase in the number of passport applications from UK residents since the Brexit referendum in 2016. According to data released by the Department of Foreign Affairs, there has been a 50% increase in the number of passport applications from the UK in the past five years, with a record 119,526 applications received in 2020 alone. This trend has continued into 2021, with a further 25% increase in applications in the first quarter of the year.
One of the main reasons for this surge in applications is the desire for continued freedom of movement within the EU. With the UK no longer being a member of the EU, British citizens have lost the automatic right to live, work, and travel freely within the EU. By acquiring Irish citizenship, Brits can retain their EU citizenship rights and access to the benefits of being an EU citizen, such as visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
Another factor driving the increase in Irish passport applications is the potential impact of Brexit on the economy and job market in the UK. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit future, many UK residents are looking for ways to secure their access to the EU job market and protect themselves from any potential negative repercussions of Brexit on their employment prospects.
In addition to the practical benefits of EU citizenship, there is also a strong emotional connection for many Brits seeking Irish passports. Given the close historical and cultural ties between Ireland and the UK, many UK residents have Irish heritage or family connections that make them eligible for Irish citizenship. For these individuals, acquiring an Irish passport is a way to reconnect with their Irish roots and maintain a link to their ancestral homeland.
The process of acquiring an Irish passport can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. For those with Irish ancestry, the most common route to citizenship is through descent, where individuals can apply for Irish citizenship if they have a grandparent who was born in Ireland. This option has become increasingly popular among Brits seeking dual citizenship, as it offers a relatively straightforward path to Irish citizenship for those with Irish heritage.
For those without Irish ancestry, the process of acquiring Irish citizenship can be more complex and may involve meeting residency requirements and demonstrating a genuine connection to Ireland. This route to citizenship is known as naturalization and typically requires individuals to have lived in Ireland for a specified period of time and to meet certain criteria, such as being of good character and having a basic knowledge of the Irish language.
While the surge in Irish passport applications from UK residents is a clear indication of the impact of Brexit on individuals’ citizenship choices, it is also reflective of the enduring bond between Ireland and the UK. Despite the political and economic challenges posed by Brexit, the close ties between the two countries continue to be a strong influence on individuals’ decisions to seek dual citizenship and maintain a connection to both nations.
As the UK adjusts to its new relationship with the EU post-Brexit, the trend of Brits seeking Irish passports is likely to continue. The desire to retain EU citizenship rights, protect against the economic uncertainties of Brexit, and maintain a connection to Irish heritage are all factors driving this increasing demand for Irish citizenship among UK residents. Whether it is for practical or emotional reasons, the surge in Irish passport applications from the UK is a clear reflection of the impact of Brexit on individuals’ lives and their decisions about citizenship and identity.
