British expats in Spain have launched an appeal to the Spanish government for dual nationality.
A petition is asking for dual status for British expats who have lived in Spain for at least ten years.
The petition, launched on Monday, quickly gathered hundreds of signatures.
“Due to the dramatic situation in which we find ourselves after the Brexit vote, we ask the Spanish government for an act of generosity for the British residents of Spain,” the petition reads.
“For many thousands of Brits in Spain and many thousands of Spaniards in the UK, the future is uncertain and worrisome. They are desperate.”
The initiative was the idea of Madrid-based British author and journalist Giles Tremlett who writes for the Guardian and the Economist and has been in Spain for more than 20 years.
By the close of business at 1700 on Tuesday there had been 764 signatures.
Acting PM Mariano Rajoy has sought to assure Brits in Spain that their immediate situation is secure and that there would be no forfeit of rights for the moment.
The petition makes reference to the legislative change already made to grant such dual citizenship to descendants of Jewish people forced to leave Spain in 1492.
Spain generally requires applicants for citizenship to give up their original nationality. Spaniards in the UK, however, can apply for dual citizenship after having been in Britain for five years.
There has been a rush of applications for citizenship from British expats in a number of other EU countries, including Ireland.
Comments