UK Border Rules for Dual Nationals Criticised as Discriminatory Against Women
Campaigners have labelled new UK border regulations as discriminatory against women, citing significant issues for British dual nationals in Spain and Greece. From 25 February, British dual nationals must present a UK passport or a costly certificate of entitlement when entering the country, a rule that has sparked widespread concern.
Name Alignment Issues Cause Major Problems
The requirement for names to exactly match on UK and second passports is creating particular difficulties. In Greece, women must retain their maiden names after marriage to Greek nationals, meaning those with British passports using their husband's surname will not align. Similarly, in Spain, Britons married to Spaniards carry two surnames on official ID, while UK passports typically feature only one.
Julia Cross, of the grassroots organisation British in Greece, stated, "It is causing huge problems. Many didn't know they had to get a second passport, but the requirement for name alignment on the two passports is discriminatory and only impacts women." The group represents 20,000 Britons in Greece and is part of British in Europe, which campaigned for post-Brexit rights.
Home Office Response and Campaigner Demands
The Home Office has indicated that mismatched names may be allowed in exceptional circumstances if evidence is provided. However, campaigners argue the rules have not been effectively communicated, leading to confusion and stress. Cross has called for an urgent transition period of at least three months to inform Britons abroad and allow for necessary adjustments.
"I've had one woman get in touch who says she feels like she has been 'banned' from entering her own country," Cross added. "I have had another asking if we are now entering a Trumpian environment where they turn against their own citizens."
Broader Implications and Legal Concerns
A House of Commons briefing paper notes that Britons retain the legal right to enter the UK, but airlines risk fines if they board passengers without correct documents. The UK government's guidance warns that individuals may be unable to board transport without valid documentation after 25 February.
In Spain, an additional complication arises as the country does not recognise dual nationals unless born to one Spanish and one foreign parent. Naturalisation candidates must renounce other nationalities, but many secretly retain British passports, fearing exposure could jeopardise their Spanish citizenship.
Stefanie, a British woman in Spain for 25 years, explained, "Even if I could fly out on the Spanish passport and show the airline I possess a British one, if the names don't align, the airline may refuse boarding. This is ridiculous because British passports only have one surname and Spanish two."
Global Impact and Financial Burden
The rule change is part of a wider effort to improve immigration data gathering. From 25 February, foreign nationals must apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) costing £16, but dual nationals cannot use this on their second passport. Irish passport holders are exempt.
Gabrielle Mordy, a dual national in Australia, highlighted that obtaining a certificate of entitlement can take up to eight weeks, making it impractical for imminent travel. One woman in Germany commented, "They are treating tourists better than their own citizens. Why can't we just have an ETA? Forking out nearly £600 for a family travelling at Easter is a lot of money."
These developments underscore ongoing challenges for Britons abroad post-Brexit, with calls for clearer communication and fairer policies to address discrimination and logistical hurdles.
