portlaunay Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 So now that we have PR we'll be applying for citizenship in 12 months and in conversation I've been surprised by the number of people who've warned us against giving up our UK passport. When quizzed about it those same people cite 'benefits' that UK passport holders enjoy without actually providing any evidence. Aside from the issue of potentially returning permanently to the UK or the kids wanting to spend time there when they're older, can anyone advise why one would keep or relinquish their UK passport? If myself and my wife don't bother renewing ours can the kids still keep theirs? Those who have gained AU citizenship what did you do and what has the impact of your decision been? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 All of us now only hold Australian passports, it hasn't mattered to us because we haven't visited the UK, didn't see the point of spending money to continually renew something we don't use. We've travelled on our Australian passports without problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 We have been Citizens for 22 years and still maintain our British Passports. However, mine is now coming up for renewal mid next year and I am actually wondering if it is worth renewing it again, so I am interested to hear what others have done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwen Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 You are not giving anything up, just not renewing a document. You are still a citizen and can avail yourself of all the things a UK citizen can without a valid passport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 You don't lose UK citizenship by taking oz citizenship. You become dual. Once your UK passports expire, you can either just let them expire and travel on your oz ones or renew. If you let them expire, you can renew when ever you want later down the track. The benefit of having a valid one is if you need to make a sudden trip back to the UK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 You don't lose UK citizenship by taking oz citizenship. You become dual. Once your UK passports expire, you can either just let them expire and travel on your oz ones or renew. If you let them expire, you can renew when ever you want later down the track. The benefit of having a valid one is if you need to make a sudden trip back to the UK. My sensible head knows all this Stormy, but my sentimental/emotional head feels as if a bit of me is missing if I do not keep my British Passport. Stupid I know! My initial decision was to go right ahead and renew as I always do, but when I learnt how that is done now (sending everything to UK and not processed in OZ or NZ), I wondered if I could be bothered. I am not prepared to send my Australian passport to London with my Brit passport renewal as requested by UK. A friend did this earlier this year and 5 months later is still waiting on her renewed Brit Passport and return of her Australian one.... seems it might have "been mislaid" in the UK passport office!!! Considering renewing it in person when I go over to UK next year to work on some Bucket List stuff..... So I think my sentimental head is on a winning streak here! Rossy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenvin Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 I am a dual citizen and have been for a number of years. We now visit the UK once a year so we keep both passports up to date. We use the UK one to skip the queues entering through passport controls on that side and also use our aussie one to do the same entering Australia. Even if we didn't travel back that often I would still want to have my British passport as even though I don't live there anymore I still have a great pride in being English and I know I don't need my passport for that but having lived in numerous countries throughout my working life my British passport gives me a sense of belonging. On a final note I only wish the UK had kept the black passports and not go over to the ECU ones, I still have my expired black one and will keep it forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 If i'm honest, my passport doesn't mean anything much to me other than a means to travel overseas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted November 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 If i'm honest, my passport doesn't mean anything much to me other than a means to travel overseas. This is how I feel. I don't understand how a small purple book can sum up the complexity of me, my culture and any sense of belonging. In order to travel across borders I'll clearly need documentation and some of the places I'd like to visit I question whether being a UK passport holder is a good thing, it might actually be an extraordinary and profound burden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenvin Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 This is how I feel. I don't understand how a small purple book can sum up the complexity of me, my culture and any sense of belonging. In order to travel across borders I'll clearly need documentation and some of the places I'd like to visit I question whether being a UK passport holder is a good thing, it might actually be an extraordinary and profound burden. I don't think I said " a small purple book can sum up the complexity of me, my culture and sense of belonging" . I know who I am thank you very much and thankfully I am not like some of the people on this site who every time I make a comment seem to find a vindictive and sarcastic way of replying. I will continue to voice my opinions as I will not be bullied by the same people who think because the moderate the site control the thoughts of the people who post here. Also these certain people may like to know I am not the only one who thinks this as I have received quite a few personal emails from people saying exactly the same thing and that is why they don't post anymore. If your not in the purple circle its seems your opinions get attacked time and time again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted November 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 I don't think I said " a small purple book can sum up the complexity of me, my culture and sense of belonging" . I know who I am thank you very much and thankfully I am not like some of the people on this site who every time I make a comment seem to find a vindictive and sarcastic way of replying. I will continue to voice my opinions as I will not be bullied by the same people who think because the moderate the site control the thoughts of the people who post here. Also these certain people may like to know I am not the only one who thinks this as I have received quite a few personal emails from people saying exactly the same thing and that is why they don't post anymore. If your not in the purple circle its seems your opinions get attacked time and time again. I'm really very sorry I offended you, that honestly wasn't my intention. I made my comment with no one in particular in mind, it was in response to my original post, referring to everyone who'd guarded against my relinquishing my passport. I didn't mean to make it sound as though my response was a personal slight, I was genuinely airing my thoughts. In regards to the role of the Mods, I think we all try very hard to remain impartial and we are only able to take action when the forum rules are broken or a member reports something. This is however, an open forum and mods volunteer their time and undertake the role but not at the expense of their opinions. I think we would all agree that all opinions are welcome, though where we disagree, we are well within our rights to express so. Finally, if anyone on the site feels as if they are being bullied by anyone, mods included, please contact the site admin. This site has a fantastic reputation for providing balanced, sound advice and welcomes all but like any forum t has an atmosphere that may not be agreeable with everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenvin Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 I'm really very sorry I offended you, that honestly wasn't my intention. I made my comment with no one in particular in mind, it was in response to my original post, referring to everyone who'd guarded against my relinquishing my passport. I didn't mean to make it sound as though my response was a personal slight, I was genuinely airing my thoughts. In regards to the role of the Mods, I think we all try very hard to remain impartial and we are only able to take action when the forum rules are broken or a member reports something. This is however, an open forum and mods volunteer their time and undertake the role but not at the expense of their opinions. I think we would all agree that all opinions are welcome, though where we disagree, we are well within our rights to express so. Finally, if anyone on the site feels as if they are being bullied by anyone, mods included, please contact the site admin. This site has a fantastic reputation for providing balanced, sound advice and welcomes all but like any forum t has an atmosphere that may not be agreeable with everyone. Thank you for your apology it is appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibbs Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 I've got both. For the simple reason, if I'm travelling and get one lost/stolen/confiscated I've got another to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odies Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 I am proud to have a british passport and will always keep it up to date, however long I may live in Australia. Sorry to say Ali it is important to me . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 I don't think I said " a small purple book can sum up the complexity of me, my culture and sense of belonging" . I know who I am thank you very much and thankfully I am not like some of the people on this site who every time I make a comment seem to find a vindictive and sarcastic way of replying. I will continue to voice my opinions as I will not be bullied by the same people who think because the moderate the site control the thoughts of the people who post here. Also these certain people may like to know I am not the only one who thinks this as I have received quite a few personal emails from people saying exactly the same thing and that is why they don't post anymore. If your not in the purple circle its seems your opinions get attacked time and time again. Glenvin I am sure you are perceiving insults that are not there. Perth Poms is a very open forum and everyone's views are accepted. After all we are all different and have different views, aims, beliefs etc. Not sure what you mean by the "purple circle" either. Although I don't post that often on the site at the moment (too busy travelling and enjoying retirement....) I have been a member since the site first started and I have always found it to be a happy place, full of helpful and kind posters... a far cry from what PomsInOz descends to at times! Perhaps it is not the forum for you though if you feel as you obviously do. Keep smiling Glenvin.... you only have one life and it should be enjoyed.... such a shame to waste it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 I am proud to have a british passport and will always keep it up to date, however long I may live in Australia. Sorry to say Ali it is important to me . Odies I have given this whole issue so much thought over the past few weeks, and I actually think you have hit it on the head for me as well with your comment. So much so I have decided to renew my British Passport when I am in UK early next year. My dear 91 year old Mum summed it up well when I talked to her about it at the weekend too. She said that although she had lived in Australia for 50 years and has Australian Citizenship, she will always consider herself an "English Woman living abroad" and her British Passport was very important for her. Bless her. Like I said in a previous post, purely an emotional thing.... and as we all have different views and opinions, it is very much a personal decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 I am proud to have a british passport and will always keep it up to date, however long I may live in Australia. Sorry to say Ali it is important to me . You don't have to be sorry Odies ... I understand that it is important to some people, just as I hope that others would understand that it doesn't mean much to me at all, I don't have any great sense of pride of being British Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 Glenvin I am sure you are perceiving insults that are not there. Perth Poms is a very open forum and everyone's views are accepted. After all we are all different and have different views, aims, beliefs etc. Not sure what you mean by the "purple circle" either. Although I don't post that often on the site at the moment (too busy travelling and enjoying retirement....) I have been a member since the site first started and I have always found it to be a happy place, full of helpful and kind posters... a far cry from what PomsInOz descends to at times! Perhaps it is not the forum for you though if you feel as you obviously do. Keep smiling Glenvin.... you only have one life and it should be enjoyed.... such a shame to waste it. I don't know what the purple circle is ... does that mean i'm not in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 I don't know what the purple circle is ... does that mean i'm not in it? No idea what it is either Ali, so I obviously am not in it, whatever it is!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akasully2 Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 I'd like to think I was in it, even if I'm not exactly sure what it is! Must be my gregarious personality coming out. Haha.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scot01 Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 I let my UK passport expire and don't intend to renew unless I move back to the UK. I've been going back twice a year for several years and never been stuck in a long immigration queue except perhaps at Heathrow once, and in fact sometimes get through quicker. Last trip was three weeks ago and I flew via Dubai into Birmingham. There were about 30 people going through the Europe/Uk aisle and only two ahead of me in the 'other passports' aisle. I have never thought of keeping both in case you lose one, I can see some sense in that although I have never lost my passport in 30 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted November 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 No idea what it is either Ali, so I obviously am not in it, whatever it is!! I don't know what it is either but I'm pretty sure this dude is on his way there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akasully2 Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 I don't know what it is either but I'm pretty sure this dude is on his way there [ATTACH=CONFIG]1917[/ATTACH] If you have to wear this to be in it, I'm opting out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 I'd like to think I was in it, even if I'm not exactly sure what it is! Must be my gregarious personality coming out. Haha.... Loving your style Sully.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristle Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 (edited) I don't know what it is either but I'm pretty sure this dude is on his way there [ATTACH=CONFIG]1917[/ATTACH] Isn't that DomDom75? (Only kidding Dom) Edited November 16, 2014 by Bristle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.