For decades, a Novel Zealand passport was often enough for Kiwis with British ancestry to visit family in the United Kingdom. That ease of travel has abruptly ended for many, sparking frustration and a sense of unfairness as some dual nationals find themselves subject to new passport requirements while others – specifically, those who gained British citizenship through the EU Settlement Scheme – are exempt. The change, rolled out last month, has left many scrambling to obtain UK passports, and a growing chorus of voices are questioning the equity of the policy.
The issue centers on a new rule requiring anyone wishing to enter the UK who holds dual citizenship to use their British passport, even if they previously relied on their New Zealand passport and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). While the UK government maintains the change is necessary, the exemption granted to EU citizens who gained citizenship post-Brexit has fueled accusations of a two-tiered system. This situation is particularly galling for New Zealanders, Australians, and Canadians who have historical ties to the UK and previously enjoyed relatively frictionless travel.
Steve Horrell, of Upper Hutt, described the situation as “disappointing.” He had already secured a UK passport, but his son and grandchildren, all British citizens, faced a last-minute scramble to gather the necessary documentation before a planned trip to the UK next month. “It would be very easy to treat everybody the same,” Horrell said. “Why can’t they just apply that around the world? Because there might be a guy living next door to him who falls under this EUSS thing, whose kids might not have to do this, but his do.”
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allowed EU citizens and some family members to continue living and working in the UK after Brexit. Those granted citizenship under the scheme are now, under the new rules, exempt from the requirement to use a UK passport to enter the country, a detail that has intensified the feeling of inequity for other dual nationals. The UK Home Office stated the change regarding EUSS citizens was made to uphold rights guaranteed under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. More information on the EUSS and travel requirements can be found on the UK government website.
A Policy Introduced with “Lies,” Critics Say
The frustration extends beyond the practical difficulties of obtaining passports. Mark Stocker, a former Te Papa museum curator and dual New Zealand citizen, described the policy as “nuts” and accused the British government of misleading citizens about the timeline for implementation. He said the rollout was “pretty dreadful, pretty abysmal really.”
Stocker recounted being forced to discard his expired UK passport years ago, leaving him without a readily available document when the new rules were announced. He felt the exemption for EUSS citizens only underscored the feeling of being treated as a second-class citizen. “It’s perfectly consistent with the abysmal way in which the whole thing was introduced in the first place, where lies were told by the British government about us being told in good time,” he stated. RNZ previously reported on claims that the UK government did not adequately inform dual nationals of the impending changes.
Beyond the Inconvenience: Impact on Travel Plans
The impact of the new rules extends beyond mere inconvenience. Some travelers are reconsidering their plans altogether. Stocker noted that destinations like Australia and Japan are now appearing more attractive, particularly given current global events. The war in the Middle East has also factored into his thinking, making alternative destinations more appealing.
The British High Commission in Wellington has been contacted for comment regarding the number of citizens they have assisted who were unable to travel due to the new passport requirements, but had not responded at the time of publication. The Home Office has defended the policy, stating It’s necessary to ensure the rights of those covered by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement are protected.
What Does This Imply for Dual Nationals?
The situation highlights the complexities of post-Brexit travel arrangements and the challenges faced by dual nationals navigating changing immigration rules. While the UK government maintains the changes are legally sound, the perception of unfairness persists. The exemption for EUSS citizens, while intended to uphold specific agreements, has inadvertently created a sense of inequity for those from other countries with historical ties to the UK.
The UK Home Office has not indicated any plans to revisit the policy or extend exemptions to other groups of dual nationals. The next step for affected travelers is to ensure they have valid UK passports before attempting to enter the country. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about changing travel regulations and the potential impact on personal travel plans.
Have you been affected by these new passport rules? Share your experience in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who may be impacted.
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