Who can hold a British passport?

Dear Mr Bassie,

Please advise under what circumstances someone is seen as eligible to hold a British Passport. Any assistance would be appreciated.

TT

Dear TT,

With respect to British passport eligibility, please be aware that persons can apply for a British passport if they have British nationality. However, it is important to note that there are some circumstances where the application can be refused or their existing passport can be retained.

In terms of obtaining or holding a British passport, persons must have British nationality to apply for or hold a British passport. Although, having British nationality does not guarantee persons obtaining a passport. For example, a person may not get a new passport or their existing passport may be taken from them if:

• He/she is suspected of a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued;

• A court order stops him/her having a United Kingdom (UK) passport or restricts that person’s travel;

• He/she is on bail and bail conditions mean that the person cannot leave the UK;

• He/she has been brought back to the UK before at the government’s expense and have not repaid what is owed;

• He/she has received a European Union or United Nations order which restricts their travel.

A passport can also be cancelled or not renewed if it is for a child and there is a court order in place stopping the child from leaving the UK. Please note that the persons’ eligibility and entitlement to a British passport will be considered when he/she has applied. Please be aware that Passports belong to the British government and can be cancelled or withdrawn at any time.

Types of British nationality

Just for completeness, persons should be aware that they can apply for a British passport if they are any of the following: A British citizen; British overseas territories citizen; British overseas citizen; British subject; British national (overseas); or a British protected person.

Good luck.

John S. Bassie

John S. Bassie is a Barrister/Attorney-at-Law who practices law in Jamaica. He is a Justice of the Peace, a Supreme Court Appointed Mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a Chartered Arbitrator, The Past Global President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com