An Irish Passport Is Like No Other: So Why Are We Giving It Away? Growing up, we were taught to believe that the Irish passport was something special, a badge of honour, a gateway to the world. It allowed me travel the globe freely. At any dodgy border crossing, I’d hand it to the guard, smile politely, and think to myself: “I’m Irish, we are sound, let me in for feck’s sake! We are seen as a people with no empire behind us or enemies before us (& get major respect for fighting the Brits !) Our passport is our natural resource. So why are we giving it away so easily? Anyone can apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation after just 5 years of residence, (and it doesn’t even have to be 5 continuous years). Or 3 years if married to an Irish citizen.We are one of the only EU countries with no requirement to speak our national language(s), or understand our constitution, values, or even basic Irish history. Meanwhile: In India, it takes 12 years, and you must give up your original citizenship. In Switzerland, it’s 10 to 12 years , and even your neighbours can veto In Nigeria, it’s 15 years with no guarantee of approval. In Denmark it’s 9 years with strict language, cultural tests & self sufficiency rules. In Germany it’s 8 years, plus language and civics tests. Pakistan takes 7 years and the UAE or China are practically impossible. In Iceland, it’s 7 years with strict language & self sufficiency tests. Irelands approach makes little sense, we have the best product for the cheapest price. Other countries protect their citizenship like it’s gold. If we don’t value our own passport, why should anyone else?

Posted by Fred Bassett