A teenage girl with dual citizenship is left stranded in Denmark, following the new UK border rules.
After spending a long weekend in Copenhagen, Hanne, a 16-year-old from Sussex, was turned away from boarding her flight back to London. The incident took place on 8th March. The teenager is yet to return home.
On 26th February, the Home Office issued a new law on UK passport rules for dual British citizens. The law was created in a bid to combat the immigration ‘crisis.’ The UK border rules previously stated that a British dual passport holder could go abroad using their foreign passport.
However, the amended legislation states that dual citizenship holders must travel with a physical or digital copy of their British passport. In addition to their second nationality passport. Either will no longer suffice. Thus, people are at high risk of being refused entry back into the UK if they can’t provide both.
The smaller details…
Hanne was on a family trip to Copenhagen with her father, who is British and her mother, who was born in Norway. Ahead of the trip, the teenager had applied for a British passport, but it didn’t arrive in time. As per the previous travelling rules for those with dual citizenship, Hanne’s family didn’t see it as a problem. Especially since she had no issues entering Copenhagen.
Since the incident took place, Hanne has now missed a total of two weeks of school. Both her parents travelled back to the UK as planned. Leaving their teenage daughter unsupervised in a foreign country, alone. Her mother has since visited her to equip her with school supplies.
“We tried to check in on the app, and it allowed me to check in, but not Hanne. When we got to the airport, they wouldn’t let her check in either,” says Hanne’s mother.
“Obviously, it is very stressful. We are very worried about the GCSEs, she is missing school, missing her mother, her siblings and all the other things in her life.”
What support does Hanne have?
After being made aware of the incident, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament (MP) James MacCleary declared the issue with Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood.
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“The Government’s hopeless planning and communication of its changes to entry requirements for dual nationals has caused an untold amount of chaos and stress,” says MacCleary.
“Too many dual nationals have found themselves stranded abroad in heartbreaking situations, missing funerals, weddings, or, in the case of my constituent, an absolutely crucial time in education. The home secretary needs to pull her finger out and urgently provide a low-cost and quick alternative for dual nationals stuck abroad. If she fails to act, the prime minister must step in to bring an end to the chaos; otherwise, more children and families will pay the price.”
The topic has also been addressed by Zeena Luchowa, an immigration lawyer at Laura Devine Immigration (LDI). She has urged that the Home Secretary must “have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children when exercising immigration functions”.
What does this incident say about the support young travellers have?
Hanne’s experience best showcases how this new law can impact anyone. It shows a scary reality that no one is safe from the amendments the Home Office has made. At 16 years of age, Hanne has been left stranded in a foreign country without adult protection. It’s a callous act that shows a lack of protection for the youth.
What notes should young adults take from this incident?
This issue extends beyond being a ‘check before you fly’ matter. Of course, making sure you have all the necessary paperwork is imperative, but this case is deeper than that. It largely comes down to the UK government’s lack of protection for teenagers.
With MacCleary and Luchowa’s strong comments, we hope to see some changes in legislation. Helping to create a protective barrier for kids and teenagers with dual citizenship passports when travelling.
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Laviea Thomas is a journalist at Inside Success who writes about film, music and politics.
Outside of that, she is an experienced freelance journalist with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
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