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COMPLIANCE CORNER – How Life Changes Affect Global Mobility
October 12, 2023
Despite borders closing temporarily to prevent the spreading of COVID-19, there has been a steady trend of increased international travel throughout the decades, helped by the introduction and instant popularity of low-cost airlines. For example, in a survey recently conducted, the average UK national made at least one international trip per year in the period between 2011 – 2022. During this period, the average traveler may have also experienced a number of personal changes, from live changes that led to a new legal name, to relocations bringing with it a new legal nationality.
It is therefore important to ensure that when applying for a visa, permit or relocating to another country, that the traveler provides all relevant information regarding their previous immigration and travel history. Below we examine some factors that should be considered:
Previous travel to the host country: Identifying previous travel to a country can have significant impact on applications, especially where previous travel may restrict upcoming stay in the host country.
Immigration history: Having a visa or immigration permit previously refused, or having been refused entry to country can impact an application. It is therefore advisable to always be upfront about such situations.
Change of name: when submitting a visa or permit application, it is important to include any previous official names a traveler has held. Many governments will retain records of travelers and visa/permit applicants, and failure to disclose a previous name can lead to delays or complications in processing an application or in a worst-case scenario, could lead to refusal.
Changes in nationality: About 49% of countries currently allow dual citizenship. If a traveler has obtained a second nationality since their last travel to a country, it is easy to forget they have travelled on their previous nationality. Like with any change of name, it is important to disclose any change in nationality.
Immigration Insights
Should you have any questions on how past travel or name changes could affect your travel document applications, please reach out to Newland Chase at [email protected] if you would like to book a consultation with our immigration experts who can help you to navigate immigration requirements.
