As of November 13, 2005, all Bahamians travelling to Britain for more than six months will need to obtain an “entry clearance” from a British diplomatic mission before departing the capital, it was announced on Tuesday.
According to international reports, the Minister of State for the Home office in Britain, Tony McNulty, indicated that the entry clearance guideline pertains to all Bahamians and nationals from non-European Economic Area (EEA) member states. Those affected are from more than 50 countries and regions, including Bolivia, Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, Costa Rica, Brunei, East Timor, Andorra, Greenland, Macau and Taiwan of China, Grenada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Israel, and Malawi.
A spokesperson from the Home Office denied that the rule is a security measure related to the terrorist attacks on London, saying this is the second phase of the changes to immigration control introduced two years ago which is aimed at countering fraudulent documentation.
According to the Home Office, the rule will not make it more difficult for people to travel to Britain, since applying for entry clearance before travel will be cheaper, and more convenient. The procedure on arrival will be simpler. There will also be no need to apply for a Residence Permit in-country unless the traveller needs to extend or change the status of his/her stay in Britain.
But having to obtain an entry clearance to visit Britain for more than six months comes as an extra blow for Bahamians, as the British High Commission in The Bahamas closed its doors on June 30. The British High Commission in Kingston Jamaica assumed responsibilities for services offered to the public since April 30. These include passports, other fees bearing consular services, general inquiries, emergency assistance and visas. The new High Commissioner to Kingston Jamaica, Jeremy Creswell, presently serves as the non-resident High Commissioner to The Bahamas.
Meanwhile, a one-off cost of five pounds ($9 U.S. dollars), will enable the traveller, once entry clearance has been obtained, to stay for the full period without having to apply for a residence permit, Minister McNulty said.
The new rules have been introduced in stages over a two-year period. The first stage came into effect on November 13, 2003, and involved the 10 nationalities which make up Britain’s largest customers in terms of travellers who stay in Britain for more than six months.
British nationals living overseas, including those without the right of abode in Britain, will continue to be able to travel without prior entry clearance and apply for clearance on arrival.
Like the first phase, there will be a “grace period” which will operate until January 13, 2006, during which time any passenger arriving at a British port who qualifies for entry but who does not have the necessary entry clearance will be admitted.
Changes to the immigration rules are expected to be laid before the British Parliament in the autumn.
By TAMARA McKENZIE, Nassau Guardian Staff Reporter
