Liberal Democrats Demand Grace Period for New Dual National Passport Rule
The Liberal Democrats have issued a stark warning, calling for an immediate "grace period" to be implemented for a new British passport rule set to take effect from next Wednesday. This urgent demand comes as entry requirements for dual nationals undergo a comprehensive overhaul, part of sweeping changes to the UK's immigration system.
Government's Border Modernisation Plans
The Labour Party government has stated that these changes are designed to streamline and modernise the UK border. Under the new regulations, British dual nationals will be required to present either a valid UK passport or a "certificate of entitlement" on their foreign passport to airline, ferry, or train operators before travel.
Criticism from the Liberal Democrats
Will Forster, the Liberal Democrats shadow immigration and asylum minister, has strongly criticised the implementation of these changes. He highlighted the "lack of planning and haphazard communication" surrounding the new rule, which he claims has "left dual nationals completely in the lurch."
Forster elaborated on the potential consequences, stating, "Many who don’t currently hold a British passport find themselves stranded abroad, having to stump up potentially huge sums of money and face long waits just to get back home."
He further emphasised the human impact, saying, "Whilst they sort out the chaos, the government should allow a grace period, as many dual nationals are in heartbreaking circumstances, unable to visit ill family members or attend weddings and funerals." Forster also called for the government to urgently provide a low-cost, affordable alternative to the current system.
Legal Perspective on Border Enforcement
Immigration lawyer Sacha Wooldridge offered a pragmatic view on the upcoming enforcement. She expressed an expectation of "pragmatism" at border control next week, suggesting that the Home Office would "not want to bring Heathrow to a halt."
Wooldridge noted, "Although this has consequences for people travelling in the next weeks and months, I assume the Home Office take the view that proportionally it is not a big problem and they will continue with their mandate to push forward on strengthening the border."
Official Home Office Statement
The Home Office has officially confirmed the new requirements, stating, "From 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK. Without one, carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding."
This clarification underscores the strict enforcement planned, despite calls for leniency and a transitional period to mitigate disruption for affected dual nationals.
