British-Danish couple say new UK passport rules may separate them from children
A British-Danish couple fears they may be separated from their children at Copenhagen airport due to new UK passport rules affecting dual nationals.
James Scrivens, a British citizen, and his Danish wife, Sara, are facing potential separation from their children because of new border control regulations imposed by the UK government on dual nationals. Currently visiting relatives in Norway and Denmark, the couple learned while abroad that under the new rules, they may be denied boarding if they do not present specific documentation – either a British passport or a costly 'certificate of entitlement' associated with their secondary nationality. This situation has left them anxious as they prepare to travel back to the UK.
The implications of the Home Office's recent policy, which has drawn criticism for its lack of clear communication, could be significant for many families with dual nationality status. Migration Minister Mike Tapp has dismissed concerns about the communication of these rules as 'absurd', yet many families express confusion and anxiety, fearing the risk of being stranded or having to navigate bureaucratic hurdles at a critical travel time.
As Scrivens and his family prepare to fly, they are hopeful that their airline will show understanding and permit them to board without the required documentation. However, if they are denied entry, their children may be forced to stay with their grandparents in Denmark, while one parent would need to return to the UK to obtain the necessary paperwork. This personal story highlights broader issues regarding immigration policies and their impact on families with mixed nationalities, revealing the stress and uncertainty these regulations can cause in everyday lives.