Bermudians gain British citizenship today
By Ayo Johnson
July 10,2008
Bermudians can now apply for British passports.
As of today Bermudians can apply for a full British Citizen passport.
All British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) automatically become full British citizens today - the commencement day of the British Overseas Territories Act.
With citizenship comes the right to live and work in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Bermudians will be able to use their Bermuda passports as proof that they can live in the United Kingdom for the next 12 months.
And while citizenship is automatic, Bermudians do not have to apply for the British passport and can keep their Bermudian passports. Applications, with accompanying documents and an $80 fee, will be accepted by the department of Immigration for the British Embassy in Washington D.C.
“Applications will require accompanying documents and a processing fee of $80 in addition to the cost of the passport,” according to a Government Information press statement.
“The turnaround time may extend several weeks. In order to reduce the inconvenience for Bermuda residents, while passports are being processed, the UK Immigration Service has agreed that for the 12 months from (21 May 2002), holders of BDTC (British Dependent Territories Citizens/BOTC) passports will be allowed to present their Bermuda passports as evidence that they have the right to reside in the United Kingdom. Thus holders of Bermuda-issued passports will be able to enter the UK as if they held BC passports and will be able to use the UK Immigration channel.”
But GIS warned that entering European Union countries might be difficult with the BOTC passport.
British lawmakers have been actively mulling the British Overseas Territories Bill since 1998. A 1999 White Paper on a modern partnership with the colonies promised that full citizenship rights will be restored to the colonies.
The Bill became law earlier this year.
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