Ireland proposes eight-year residency requirement and language test for citizenship
The Irish government on Monday proposed increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from five to eight years, as well as introducing a language test for applicants.
“This step brings us more in line with other European Union member states… particularly by ensuring that the residency period is increased from five to eight years,” Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin told journalists.
“In addition, with regard to the language aspect, there will be an English proficiency requirement as well as a basic introduction to the Irish language,” he added.
“This also aims to ensure that citizenship status is accompanied by the ability to contribute to society… as well as creating the right balance between independence and self-sufficiency, rather than depending entirely on others,” he said.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan is scheduled to submit the proposed changes to the Cabinet this week as part of a comprehensive overhaul of Ireland’s naturalisation system.
Applicants would in future be required to demonstrate proficiency in English or Irish, possess knowledge of Irish citizenship, and prove that they are able to support themselves economically.
O’Callaghan described the proposal as the greatest reform of Irish citizenship rules in a generation.
The draft bill would also establish a separate legal basis for the revocation of citizenship on grounds of public order and national security, and could prevent individuals who breach immigration law from obtaining citizenship.
The plans have drawn criticism from opposition members of parliament and immigration advocacy groups.
Alan Kelly, justice spokesman for the Labour Party, questioned the need to raise the residency requirement, whilst John Lannon, chief executive of the human rights advocacy group Doras, described the proposal as “quite harsh” and “unnecessary”.
Lannon added that adequate access to language classes would be essential if the language test were to be implemented.