British Citizenship For Irish Citizens To Be Simplified

The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 received royal assent on 24 May of this year. While it has not yet come into force, the amendments it makes to the British Nationality Act 1981 will provide an alternative and less stringent route to British citizenship for Irish citizens.

Background to the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024

Irish citizens already have the right to travel to and reside in the UK without needing leave to enter or remain, except in limited cases (such as when the Secretary of State deems it "conducive to the public good" to deny entry). However, previously most Irish citizens seeking British citizenship had to apply for naturalisation under Section 6(1) or Section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981. This process required a fee (currently £1,630) and the passing of the Life in the UK Test. The new Act offers an alternative pathway, allowing Irish citizens to apply to register as British citizens instead.