When I was renewing my Polish passport I was forced to change my surname. I have Dual citizenship between Canada and Poland.
I am 27, My original Canadian and Polish birth certificate, previous passports (Canadian and Polish) and all my documents have always been in my mother's name. The only document containing my father's name is a gov issue pre-birth certificate dated a few months before my birth stating my parents intended to have a child together, but its includes no name for the future child.
Based on this document, when I went to renew my passport in 2010 the consulate asked me whether I wanted to change my name to that of my father as some people chose to do so when they came of age- for the sake of appearance. I refused - even though the woman was insistent, claiming it was shameful because it made me look illegitimate (I kid you not). I thought that was the end of it.
Upon receiving the official Polish translation of my Canadian birth certificate and the renewed Polish passport it turned out she had gone ahead and changed my surname without my permission.
As I am not married I cannot legally carry two passports of different surnames and I need consistent documents for my job between Canada and the EU. I've been told the only way to revert to my original name is to pay for a name change (for which I would have to travel to Poland) - a new passport and other legal documents.
Not to mention I have no desire to change my name at the age of 27.
I have been fighting this for two years now and am looking to begin legal action.
Strictly speaking, under EU law is this legal? Could it be classified under discrimination? I need help and advice
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