'Perfect storm': Irish passport demand, UK border rules create travel woes
Irish citizens in New Zealand are facing significant delays in passport processing due to a surge in applications. The backlog is attributed to new British border rules and the ongoing impact of Brexit on travel requirements.
Why it matters
Administrative backlogs are creating travel disruptions and personal hardship for dual citizens navigating complex post-Brexit border regulations.
Irish New Zealanders say they are struggling to get passports after a surge in applications caused by new British border rules and Brexit.
Dual citizens are reporting long waits, lack of updates, and sometimes heartbreaking consequences when passports do not land in time.
Among them is Dara Shearer, who applied in February for her Irish passport but did not get it until last Friday. The retired dentist and researcher, who has lived in New Zealand for 40 years, wants action to speed up the process to help overseas-based Irish citizens trying to fly to the UK.
When Britain ordered its own dual citizens to use UK passports to return there, it also meant dual Irish citizens all over the world had to travel on an Irish passport to get into Britain, too.
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