Stricter UK passport rules leave older migrants and families stranded abroad
New UK border rules are causing difficulties for older migrants and their families in Australia and New Zealand. From February 25, British passports will be required for visits to the UK, affecting those born overseas or with British ancestry. The changes particularly impact the '£10 Poms'—postwar British migrants—and their descendants.
The UK government has introduced stricter passport requirements for security reasons. From late February, anyone travelling to the UK must hold a British passport, even for short visits. This includes elderly migrants and their children, depending on birthdates and locations.
About 1.1 million UK-born people live in Australia, with a median age of 59.4. In New Zealand, roughly 208,000 UK citizens reside there, though the true number may be higher due to census categorisations. At least 80% of New Zealanders have some British ancestry, and 17% qualify for British passports.
The '£10 Poms'—Brits who moved to Australia and New Zealand after the war—are now facing hurdles. Many older New Zealanders with British roots are struggling to confirm their citizenship status. Children of UK migrants may also need British passports, adding to the confusion.
British High Commissioner Iona Thomas advised travellers to verify their eligibility online. She noted that New Zealanders, who are the most likely UK migrants to hold dual citizenship (49.2%), should check their status carefully.
The rule changes mean some New Zealanders with British ancestry may lose access to family visits. Those eligible for the Ancestry Visa could face future restrictions. Travellers are being urged to review their citizenship status before planning trips to the UK.
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