I've just figured out that a truckload of Australian footballers are eligible for UK ancestry visas. I'm sure a number would play there on ancestry visas. They may not have EU passports but, through British-born grandparents, can get UK ancestry visas. This permits them to live and work in the UK for five years (by which time they can get permanent residency).

Obviously, it's very, very difficult to get a work permit to play football in the UK. This ancestry visa is extremely helpful. And it's not just helpful for footballers, it's great from the viewpoint of anybody eligible and wishing to live in the Europe but not having an EU passport. Get work permits these days for Europe is an uphill battle.

If Australia becomes a republic, I gather (but I cannot say with certainty) that the ancestry visa deal may no longer apply. I was under the impression that one must have a UK-born grandparent and be a citizen of a Commonwealth realm. Well, if Australia becomes a republic, it ceases to be a Commonwealth realm.

This is another reason why there's no actual benefit to becoming a republic and plenty to lose. There's absolutely no point. It's difficult enough to work in Europe. Let's not make it any more difficult.

It's exceptionally difficult for Australian footballers without EU passports to play in Europe, as we know. This ancestry visa, while unfortunately not helping for the Holy Trinity, does at least work for the UK (which is not the worst place in the world to develop).

As such, it's bad from the perspective of Australian footballers if the country becomes a republic.

Edited by quickflick: 17/11/2015 03:14:19 AM