Republic of Ireland

[Ineedmorelemonpledge]

What will happen to "immigrants" from ROI if immigration is controlled from the EU.

I was just looking at statistics of EU born immigrants living in the UK. If I'm looking at the correct statistics, the biggest nationality is Poland, second biggest ROI and third which surprised me was Germany.

If immigration is controlled following a possible exit, does that mean that the movement of Irish people (and vice versa I guess) will also be subject to strict controls?

Just to be clear I have no opinion on any race or nationality living in the UK. I'm an expat. I was just looking at statistics and almost forgot really about ROI.

How will it work?

Irish people can sign a British passport, vote in the referendum and I think can run as a MP. They have different privileges in the UK to other EU immigrants. I doubt that will change.

Thanks howto - i did wonder if there was a slightly different relationship there.

Irish citizens have special status in the UK and have had for many years, since before EU free movement. Their right to reside and vote in the UK isn't determined by EU membership.

It may be, however, that the agreement has to be revisited after a brexit, as the border between the UK and Ireland will become an external EU border, so the common travel area will likely need to be renegotiated.