A young woman from the UK is now stuck in Denmark only weeks before she was supposed to take her GCSE exams, as a result of new border regulations impacting British citizens with dual nationality.
Hanne, 16, was prevented from boarding a flight back toLondonon March 8 and is currently undergoing a six-week delay for a new passport.
She had returned from a weekend visit to her British father, who was an academic working temporarily at a university in Copenhagen.
The young woman had journeyed with her mother, who was born in Norway, but she was still awaiting a British passport, which she had requested prior to the trip.
Her Liberal DemocratMP, James MacCleary, requestedKeir Starmerand Shabana Mahmood to get involved, stating that a student now experiences ‘a nerve-wracking wait’ abroad because of the government’s ‘poor management’ of the issue.
Like hundreds of others, her parents were unaware of the policy update introduced by theHome Office, according to The Guardian.
Hanne, who is taking her GCSEs in May, has already missed two weeks of school and could face a possible six-week delay in obtaining a passport.
The family first learned about the new border regulations when Hanne was unable to check in for her return flight.
The airline, Norwegian, contacted the British embassy in Copenhagen, but they were unable to provide assistance.
An immigration attorney stated that the Home Office might be violating regulations related to children’s well-being.
Clearly, it’s extremely stressful,” Ingrid said. “We’re deeply concerned about the GCSEs; she’s been absent from school, longing for her mother, her siblings, and everything else in her life.
It would be a catastrophe if she doesn’t return soon.
Mr. MacCleary stated that inadequate planning and unclear communication regarding the new regulations had resulted in dual nationals being stuck overseas, leading to extensive disruption and emotional hardship.
He cautioned that some individuals had overlooked significant life milestones, while others, including his young local resident, were now experiencing substantial interruptions in their studies.
He called on ministers to move swiftly in offering a quicker and more affordable solution, noting that the Prime Minister should step in if the issue remains unresolved.
The headteacher of Hanne stated that she is practically unable to return to the UK, even though she is a British citizen with a permanent residence and school spot.
They cautioned that she is missing classes in every subject and might lag in important exams, such as her GCSEs.
She is among several children who were reportedly prevented from boarding flights since the new regulations took effect in February, which require dual nationals to show a British passport or official documents before traveling.
Immigration attorney Zeena Luchowa expressed significant worries regarding the effects on children, highlighting that officials have a legal obligation to take their well-being into account.
She mentioned that British nationals have a definite right to enter the United Kingdom, and cautioned that the regulations could lead to an unfair impact if enforced excessively.
Hanne has been unable to leave Denmark for two weeks, while her mother had to go back to Britain by herself to pick up her school books and a laptop and take them to Copenhagen, so she can continue her education at home.
As a new setback, the family was informed that her passport application would be canceled since she is currently overseas, requiring her to reapply from abroad — a procedure that may take as long as six weeks.
The Home Office stated that the advice recommending dual nationals to carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement has been accessible to the public since October.
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