Key Takeaways:
- The UK has introduced new entry requirements for dual citizens, requiring them to enter the country on a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement (COE)
- The changes affect over a million Britons who migrated to Australia under the "ten-pound Pom" scheme, including those who have become Australian citizens
- Dual citizens are required to apply for a British passport or COE to enter the UK, despite being able to previously enter on their Australian passport
- The changes have caused concern and frustration among dual citizens, with some feeling penalized for having dual citizenship
- The UK government’s changes aim to tighten borders and screening, bringing them in line with other countries’ requirements for dual citizens
Introduction to the Issue
The UK’s new entry requirements for dual citizens have sparked outrage among Australians who hold British citizenship. Queensland retiree Sharon Angold is one of many who are affected by the changes, which require her to apply for a British passport to travel to her country of birth. Ms. Angold, who migrated to Australia in 1969 as a "ten-pound Pom," feels that she is being penalized for having dual citizenship and is boycotting the UK in protest. The changes, which come into effect on February 25, have caused concern and frustration among dual citizens, with many feeling that they are being unfairly targeted.
The Impact on Dual Citizens
The new requirements affect not only Ms. Angold but also hundreds of other dual citizens who have contacted the ABC to express their concerns. Many have pre-booked trips to the UK and are now facing the added expense and hassle of applying for a British passport or COE. Steve Tyrrell, a 70-year-old Brisbane retiree who also migrated to Australia as a "ten-pound Pom," is among those affected. He has never held a British passport and would be required to apply for one under the new rules if he wanted to travel to the UK. Mr. Tyrrell feels that the changes are "ludicrous" and do not make sense, especially given that he has been an Australian citizen since 1983.
The Reasoning Behind the Changes
According to Associate Professor Anna Boucher, an expert in public policy from the University of Sydney, the UK’s changes are part of a broader effort to tighten borders and screening. The British government is bringing its visa and citizenship processing in line with other countries, such as Australia and the United States. Dr. Boucher notes that the UK’s previous approach to dual citizenship was more "old-fashioned" and that the changes are necessary to reduce the capacity for free movement. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also stated that the changes apply to all dual British citizens, not just Australians, and that the Australian government has conveyed its concerns to the British High Commission.
The Implications for Dual Citizens
The changes have significant implications for dual citizens, who may face added expenses and hassle when traveling to the UK. Ms. Angold, for example, has decided to boycott the UK and plans to visit Europe instead, citing the "bad taste" left by the changes. Mr. Tyrrell is also considering alternative travel plans, feeling that the changes are at odds with Australia’s status as a Commonwealth country. The changes may also affect the children of dual citizens, who may be regarded as British citizens and face similar requirements when traveling to the UK.
Conclusion
The UK’s new entry requirements for dual citizens have sparked controversy and frustration among those affected. While the changes aim to tighten borders and screening, they have significant implications for dual citizens who may face added expenses and hassle when traveling to the UK. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the UK government will respond to the concerns of dual citizens and whether the changes will be revisited. In the meantime, dual citizens like Ms. Angold and Mr. Tyrrell will have to navigate the new requirements and consider their travel options carefully.