EU Citizens and UK Passport Status Post-Brexit: A Comprehensive Guide
Following the Brexit referendum, a significant point of concern for many EU citizens resident in the UK has been their future ability to obtain a British passport. This article aims to clarify the situation and provide a comprehensive guide to the current and future status of EU citizens and UK citizens in relation to obtaining a UK passport.
Before Brexit: The Reality for EU Citizens
It is a common misconception that EU citizens before Brexit had the ability to obtain UK passports. In reality, EU citizenship does not grant the right to automatically acquire a UK passport. Each EU country maintains its own citizenship laws and requirements. Therefore, an EU citizen from France, for instance, would remain French and could apply for a French passport, even if they are living in the UK.
The same principle applies to UK citizens. UK citizens who are British subjects are eligible for a UK passport, but they must meet the necessary criteria as set by the UK government. This means that UK citizens residing in, for example, Germany, Italy, or Spain, would still be subject to German, Italian, or Spanish citizenship laws and would need to obtain a German, Italian, or Spanish passport if they wished to do so.
Post-Brexit: The Current Scenario
It is important to understand that the situation regarding EU citizens and UK passports remains unchanged post-Brexit. EU ministers have explicitly stated that EU citizens cannot obtain UK passports. This position is consistent with the principle that citizenship is governed by national laws and not by EU law. Consequently, an EU citizen seeking a British passport would fall outside the scope of current UK immigration and citizenship laws.
Key Points to Consider
EU Citizenship vs. UK Citizenship: While EU citizenship provides various rights within the EU, it does not automatically confer the right to a UK passport. UK citizens can apply for a UK passport, but EU citizenship does not automatically confer citizenship rights in the UK.
Post-Brexit Citizenship Laws: Post-Brexit, UK citizenship laws remain under the jurisdiction of the UK government. EU laws no longer apply, and UK citizens are subject to UK citizenship laws.
No New EU Passports: There has never been an "EU passport." The concept of an "EU passport" is a myth and does not exist. The UK and other EU countries control their own nationality laws, which define who can claim citizenship of those countries.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, the situation for EU citizens and the UK passport status remains the same pre and post Brexit. There are no new routes or rights that an EU citizen can claim to obtain a UK passport. The UK recognizes the right of UK citizens to obtain a UK passport and continues to do so, but EU citizenship does not imply the ability to obtain a UK passport.
Related Topics
For further information on related topics, consider reading about:
EU Citizenship and Rights
UK Citizenship and Nationality Statistics
UK Citizens Abroad Post-Brexit