Government’s Gibraltarian Status Bill Is Divisive, Draconian and Devoid of Evidence

Together Gibraltar are condemning the government’s proposed changes for who is eligible for Gibraltarian status.

There has been some confusion about what this status encompasses, but the government’s own press release admits that they are taking steps to deprive long-term residents of benefits to which they should be entitled. 

The only evidence provided by the government has been the headline population figure from the 2022 census, which seems to have taken the government themselves by surprise. 

Deciding who gets to be a Gibraltarian is one of the most sacred responsibilities we give our government. As such it is completely negligent for the government to be doing so in such a kneejerk manner.

The Government has not published any data on what benefits these residents are supposedly claiming. If there is evidence of people attempting to use Gibraltar to bypass long NHS waiting lists, that should be addressed openly. But if this is simply about cutting the housing list by targeting people who have lived and worked here for a decade or more, then it is shameful and unforgivable.

Housing is the real crisis. Gibraltar operates a two‑tier system where a fortunate few enjoy secure government rentals or access to “affordable” housing, while many others are left to struggle with extortionate private rents. Those who have been gainfully employed here for years are already carrying that burden. Instead of scapegoating them, the Government should finally deliver on its own manifesto promises and fix the housing system it has allowed to fail.

In lieu of stats, Ministers have chosen rhetoric. Branding long‑term residents as an “influx” is language lifted straight from the far right in the UK. It is designed to divide communities, not to solve problems. Gibraltar deserves better.

The Bill also strips eligibility from children of Gibraltarians who were not registered before the age of 18. This is an extraordinarily harsh measure that will deprive people of residency in their own home, where their families live. Everyone’s family circumstances are different and it is completely draconian to cut Gibraltarians off from their wider family, simply because of decisions  their parents made on their behalf. 

Those who meet the current criteria are clearly wanted here, otherwise they would not be in continuous employment for ten years. Gibraltar has always been a community of immigrants and strengthened by those who come here to work, to contribute, and to make this place their home.