Dual United Kingdom-New Zealand nationals are expressing frustration over what they call unfairness in new passport rules, as some European Union citizens granted British citizenship post-Brexit are being offered exemptions while others are not.
Passport Rule Discrepancies Spark Concerns
British citizens, or their children, who previously travelled to the UK using only a New Zealand passport and an ETA have been required to obtain a UK passport since last month. Steve Horrell, of Upper Hutt, said he received his passport but his son had to quickly gather documents for a family trip to the UK next month, including for young grandchildren classified as British citizens.
Horrell expressed disappointment with Monday’s announcement that EU nationals granted British citizenship under the Settled Scheme (EUSS) could receive permanent exemptions from needing a UK passport to travel to the UK. “I find it disappointing, actually, because it would be very easy to treat everybody the same,” he said. “To my mind, if you’re going to apply something…why can’t they just apply that around the world?”
He added that the UK government appears to selectively interpret laws to suit its needs.
Mark Stocker, a dual New Zealand citizen and former Te Papa museum curator, described the UK policy as “nuts” and expressed sympathy for travellers affected, particularly those needing to visit sick relatives. He said the exemption for EU settled status citizens reinforces a feeling of second-class status for dual citizens elsewhere.
“If you’re being charitable, it’s a small step forward…But the expat Canadians, New Zealanders, Australians and more, it does nothing whatsoever for us,” Stocker said. He also criticized the initial rollout of the policy, alleging that the British government “told lies” about providing sufficient notice.
Stocker noted he was unable to use an expired UK passport as a temporary measure, as he had discarded it upon expiration.
The Home Office stated the change was implemented to uphold rights under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. The British High Commission in Wellington has been contacted for comment regarding assistance provided to citizens experiencing travel difficulties due to the new passport requirements.
Some dual citizens are now considering alternative holiday destinations, such as Australia and Japan, particularly given the current situation in the Middle East.
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