A young mother and her two-year-old child found themselves stranded in Mallorca due to a new passport regulation. Tegan van der Merwe, 25, and her toddler were denied entry back to the UK, even though they have been long-term residents in Britain. Facing uncertainty, they are stuck in Mallorca and worry about an extended stay.
Tegan, originally from Manchester, had gone on a short trip to Palma de Mallorca with her daughter. However, they were halted at immigration because they both hold Dutch passports, despite Tegan’s settled status and her daughter’s automatic entitlement to British citizenship.
The complication arose from a recent rule change in February mandating British dual citizens to prove their right to reside in the UK before traveling. This policy shift requires travelers to possess a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, disallowing reliance solely on a foreign passport.
With no viable means of returning, Tegan and her daughter sought assistance from the British Consulate in Palma. As a result, they had to relocate from their hotel to a more budget-friendly self-catering apartment near a lively area close to Magaluf.
After enduring a challenging journey to the consulate, Tegan faced difficulties in obtaining the necessary documents for a British passport application. The consulate’s unhelpful response and the additional requirements, such as making photocopies, further complicated their situation.
Tegan proceeded to submit the required forms by paying 60 euros, but she fears a potential six-week wait for the passport processing. Financial constraints have added to her worries, as most of her funds were spent on the holiday, leaving her with limited resources while stranded abroad.
The distressing experience has forced Tegan to make difficult decisions, including giving notice on her rented accommodation in Manchester due to her inability to work while stuck overseas. As she anticipates a return to the UK, she plans to temporarily reside with her mother.
Feeling abandoned by the government, Tegan expressed a desire to renounce both her and her daughter’s British citizenship. She criticized the treatment they received, describing it as akin to being treated like criminals and highlighting the ordeal’s emotional toll.
