Record Increase in Irish Passport Applications After Brexit

Passport applications from individuals of Irish descent living in the United Kingdom have experienced a significant surge, reaching 242,772 applications as of 2024. According to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, this figure marks the highest level of applications recorded in the post-Brexit era.

Interestingly, more than half of the applications were made by residents of Northern Ireland. This situation clearly illustrates the impact of the uncertainties and changes brought about by Brexit on individuals of Irish descent. The increase triggered by the Brexit process also highlights the advantages of Irish citizenship in providing access to the European Union.

In particular, applications made through the Foreign Births Register have reached record levels. As of 2024, 23,456 individuals living in England have applied for citizenship through Irish parents or grandparents. This figure is recorded as the highest level since the 2016 Brexit referendum. In contrast, there were only 873 applications in 2015, reflecting the massive change throughout the process.

The significant increase in passport application numbers can be attributed to several key factors. After the separation from the United Kingdom, many individuals turned to Irish citizenship as a means to maintain their access to the European Union. The uncertainties, as well as the economic and social impacts following Brexit, constitute the fundamental dynamics of this increase in applications.

In the future, how this situation will unfold post-Brexit and whether interest in the Irish passport will continue remains a topic of curiosity. Additionally, the implications of the increase in passport applications, particularly in Northern Ireland's social and economic structure, are important factors that need to be considered.