New border rules for British dual nationals are causing disruption and confusion, with some travelers reporting difficulties returning to the UK. The Home Office has dismissed criticism of its communication regarding the changes as “absurd.”
New Requirements for Dual Nationals
The new rules, which came into effect on Wednesday, require British dual nationals to present a valid or expired British passport, or a £589 certificate of entitlement, to prove their right of abode when traveling to the UK by plane, ferry, or train.
During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Labour MP Kerry McCarthy shared concerns from two constituents who feared being stranded on their honeymoon due to the new requirements. Former Conservative cabinet minister David Davis reported that three of his constituents were also unaware of the changes until they saw reports in the Guardian and the BBC.
Home Office minister Mike Tapp responded to the criticism by suggesting that media coverage highlighting the issues was, in fact, a result of the department’s efforts to publicize the changes. He also stated that the policy has been “in the public domain for some years” and was the result of “years in planning.”
The Guardian received numerous letters from concerned dual nationals, prompting its initial reporting. Since then, hundreds more readers have contacted the paper expressing their lack of awareness regarding the new rules. One British Australian man contacted the Guardian overnight, stating the rules prevented him from attending his father’s funeral, facing a six-week delay in obtaining a passport from overseas.
Government Response and Future Steps
While the Home Office declined to comment on individual cases, Mike Tapp announced he would host a drop-in session for MPs next Monday to discuss specific concerns. He also stated that consular services are available to assist stranded British citizens, and passport processing for dual nationals is expected to grab up to four weeks, with some cases completed in as little as nine days.
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns acknowledged the policy’s justification but urged improvements to the communication strategy, deeming it “insufficient.” Liberal Democrat immigration spokesperson Will Forster criticized the situation as stemming from a “lack of planning and haphazard communication.”
Tapp rejected calls for a grace period but directed those facing emergencies to explore emergency travel document options available through the government website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do British dual nationals need to present when traveling to the UK?
British dual nationals must present a valid or expired British passport, or a £589 certificate of entitlement, to prove their right of abode before boarding a plane, ferry or train to the UK.
How did the Home Office respond to criticism of its communication?
The Home Office dismissed claims of inadequate communication as “absurd,” suggesting that media coverage of the issue was a result of its own publicity efforts.
What is the government doing to address the concerns of affected travelers?
Mike Tapp will host a drop-in session for MPs next Monday to discuss individual cases, and consular services are available to help stranded Britons. Passports for dual nationals are expected to be processed within four weeks, and potentially nine days in some cases.
Given the reported difficulties experienced by travelers, and the ongoing debate over communication effectiveness, will the Home Office consider further measures to ensure all dual nationals are fully informed of these new requirements?
