Citizenship applications jump 236% after proposed rule changes

The number of people applying for Irish citizenship rose sharply, with 8,765 applications received last month – a 236 % increase on the 2,611 received in August.

The surge follows the Government’s decision to tighten the naturalisation process. In September, Cabinet approved Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan’s proposals, described as the “biggest reform in a generation”. The changes would require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English, Irish or Irish sign language and pass a civics exam. New self‑sufficiency rules would set a minimum income threshold and disqualify anyone who has received social welfare payments or social housing in the previous two years.

Residency requirements would also be extended, with the reckonable period increasing from five to eight years and the final two years needing to be continuous. Cabinet discussed the measures on 9 September and government sources say they aim to be enacted before year‑end.

Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman, who received the figures after raising a parliamentary question, said the proposals “scare” applicants and are “massively unfair”. He warned the retrospective application of the rules would affect people already living in Ireland.

John Lannon, chief executive of migrants’ rights group Doras, said the rise in applications reflects people seeking citizenship before the rules change, describing the legislation as “harsh” and “unnecessary”. He urged the government to scrap the proposals.

Minister O’Callaghan has indicated the Government is considering a “more generous scheme” for those close to qualifying but who would be impacted by the new rules.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Artem Kulinych / Pexels.