Citation, interpretation and extent

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2025.

(2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(3) These Regulations also extend to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the British overseas territories within the meaning of the British Nationality Act 1981(2).

Commencement of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024

2.  The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 comes into force on 22nd July 2025.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations bring the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 (c. 19) (“the Act”) into force on 22nd July 2025.

Regulation 2 brings into force the entirety of the Act, which introduces section 4AA to the British Nationality Act 1981 (c. 61) (“the BNA 1981”). The purpose of the Act is to create a separate route to British citizenship for all Irish citizens who are resident in the UK for a period of five years ending with the date of application. The new provisions introduced to the BNA 1981 by the Act enable Irish citizens to apply to register as British citizens, in a simpler manner than applying for naturalisation.