Citizenship should be a pathway to belonging, not another barrier to overcome.
As part of the Oireachtas Committee's pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026, we have outlined serious concerns about proposals that would make citizenship less accessible for refugees and other migrants.
The submission highlights how the proposed changes could extend waiting periods, introduce financial barriers, and undermine integration, despite evidence showing that access to citizenship strengthens participation, and belonging.
