As of 25 February, new regulations from the UK government requiring British dual nationals to present a UK passport when entering the country have ignited concerns over potential discrimination, particularly affecting women residing in Spain and Greece. Campaigners argue that the rules, which mandate that names on passports must match precisely, create significant barriers for many women who have taken on different surnames through marriage or naturalisation.
New Regulations and Their Implications
Under the latest rules, British dual nationals must either produce a valid UK passport or obtain a costly “certificate of entitlement” for approximately £600 to travel back to the UK. This move has been met with considerable backlash, as campaigners assert that the requirements disproportionately impact women due to differing naming conventions in foreign countries.
In Greece, for example, women are obliged to retain their maiden names even after marrying a Greek national. This means that those holding UK passports under their husband’s surname may find themselves unable to comply with the new regulations. Julia Cross, a prominent advocate with the grassroots organisation British in Greece, highlighted that many affected individuals were unaware of the need for a second passport that aligns with UK naming standards. “It is causing huge problems,” she stated, emphasising the discriminatory nature of the requirements that seem to target women specifically.
Confusion and Lack of Communication
The lack of clear communication regarding these changes has left numerous dual nationals feeling anxious and confused about their travel plans. Cross pointed out that some individuals have reached out to her expressing feelings akin to being “banned” from entering their own country. There is a palpable sense of frustration among the expatriate community, compounded by the government’s failure to effectively disseminate information about the new requirements.
The Home Office has stated that exceptions may be made for individuals unable to change their names on foreign-issued documents, but the criteria for such exceptions remain vague. The guidance suggests that individuals must provide evidence of their circumstances to be considered for an exemption, yet campaigners argue that this is not a practical solution for many.
Barriers for Naturalised Citizens
The complexities extend further for British citizens who have naturalised in Spain, where dual nationality is not recognised unless one is born to a Spanish and foreign parent. According to some reports, these individuals must formally renounce their British citizenship during the naturalisation process, which complicates their ability to present a UK passport.
Stefanie, a long-term British resident in Spain, shared her experience, noting that even if she could travel using her Spanish documentation and show the airline her British passport, the mismatch in surnames could lead to her being denied boarding. “It’s ridiculous,” she remarked, “because British passports only have one surname while Spanish documentation includes two.”
Wider Context of Immigration Policy Changes
These new rules form part of a broader strategy to enhance immigration controls and data collection at the UK border. Starting 25 February, foreign nationals will be required to apply for an “electronic travel authorisation” (ETA) to enter the country, costing £16. However, dual nationals are ineligible to use this option with their second passport, further complicating their travel plans.
Gabrielle Mordy, a dual national living in Australia, expressed frustration over the abrupt rule change, which she only learned about in January. The lengthy processing time for obtaining the certificate of entitlement, which can take up to eight weeks, poses an additional hurdle for those planning travel in the near future. “For families travelling during peak seasons, this added expense is a significant burden,” she lamented.
Why it Matters
The introduction of these new passport rules is not just a bureaucratic adjustment; it represents a troubling trend in immigration policy that appears to disadvantage women in particular. With many dual nationals facing confusion and potential exclusion from their home country, the situation underscores a larger issue regarding the treatment of citizens who hold dual nationality. As the UK government navigates the complexities of post-Brexit immigration, it is crucial to ensure that policies promote inclusivity rather than discrimination, particularly for vulnerable groups like women who find themselves caught in the crossfire of bureaucratic red tape.
