In October 2016, the British and Irish governments considered in outline a plan entailing British immigration controls being applied at Irish ports and airports after Brexit, so that Britain might control migration by EU citizens (other than Irish nationals) across the open border into the United Kingdom. This would avoid passport checks being required between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (i.e. the UK). However, this agreement was never finalised and was met by opposition from political parties in the Republic of Ireland. On 23 March 2017, it was confirmed that British immigration officials would not be allowed to use Irish ports and airports.