Shifting borders & father's birthplace?

[bluebellwoods123]

Hello Forum

I have a question about the requirement to provide father's birthplace on the form.

My father was born in a town in the West Bank in 1960.

In 1960, this town would have been part of Jordan during the Jordanian annexation of the West Bank that lasted until 1988.

However, of course today this birthplace would be characterised as the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

He also holds Jordanian citizenship and this is the only citizenship he has ever held.

Does the question refer to birth country as it exists currently, or as it was at the time of birth? Do I enter Jordan or OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories) as his POB?

Would anyone be able to advise/ has any insight on this topic?

[alterhase58]

From my understanding OPT is the official name used by the UK government.
So I would add that and nationality as you stated.
Note this is not an issue - the information is asked for so that UKVI can be sure you are not a British citizen through your parents. I does happen sometimes ....

[bluebellwoods123]

From my understanding OPT is the official name used by the UK government.
So I would add that and nationality as you stated.
Note this is not an issue - the information is asked for so that UKVI can be sure you are not a British citizen through your parents. I does happen sometimes ....

Thanks very much for your answer! It definitely helps to know the reason they ask. And yes, I know that today certainly it is in 'OPT' but I was wondering whether the rules might be interpreted to refer to what the country was at the time of birth.

[alterhase58]

Not aware if there are rules around this except that if UKVI assess an applicant as already being British they have to return the application as invalid. Not seen anyone here reporting any comeback on this requirement (certainly not something you could be refused on - there are cases where people don't even know their parents' details).

[contorted_svy]

Answer to the best of your knowledge - if it was your own birthplace worth doing some more research into it, but as it is you father's it is unlikely to make any significant difference as you are not claiming citizenship through your parents.

[bluebellwoods123]

OK - thanks everyone for your help and appreciate your answers, it seems it doesn't matter much either way.