UK Adult Passport Renewal Security Checks

[chacha1]

Hi guys, I went for the same day service to get my passport renewed (handing in my first british passport), I was renewing it for the first time. I got a call saying they want to see my Registration certificate! I didn't have it to hand and needed to travel so I withdrew the application, took my passport and travelled. They even wanted an old Pakistani passport I had a young child, basically saying they wanted to all of a sudden see how I came to the country and how I got my british citizenship through my parents (they both naturalise when I was under 18).
More recently I did the same thing, same day service, took EVERYTHING, my registration certificate and the old pakistani passport I managed to find. This time I get a call saying you can't get it same day because it is going through standard security checks. Its been 2 weeks, I call the helpline Every Single Day and they say the same thing "it is in standard checks" and give no timelines. I'll probably loose my job because I have to travel to Germany for a business meeting and I keep telling my work that I don't know when I will be able to go. Has anyone got any idea how to apply pressure on these guys so they actually do the work and not let my passport just sit there? I've also informed my local MP about this.

[plabo]

Hi guys, I went for the same day service to get my passport renewed (handing in my first british passport), I was renewing it for the first time. I got a call saying they want to see my Registration certificate! I didn't have it to hand and needed to travel so I withdrew the application, took my passport and travelled. They even wanted an old Pakistani passport I had a young child, basically saying they wanted to all of a sudden see how I came to the country and how I got my british citizenship through my parents (they both naturalise when I was under 18).
More recently I did the same thing, same day service, took EVERYTHING, my registration certificate and the old pakistani passport I managed to find. This time I get a call saying you can't get it same day because it is going through standard security checks. Its been 2 weeks, I call the helpline Every Single Day and they say the same thing "it is in standard checks" and give no timelines. I'll probably loose my job because I have to travel to Germany for a business meeting and I keep telling my work that I don't know when I will be able to go. Has anyone got any idea how to apply pressure on these guys so they actually do the work and not let my passport just sit there? I've also informed my local MP about this.

Were you born in Pakistan and if yes what age were you when you came to the UK?

[chacha1]

Yes, I was born in Pakistan and came to the UK when I was 3 years old. Why do you ask? I already have british citizenship and a British passport. I'm just having delays in renewing it.

[vinny]

I suspect these checks may be due to their poor record keeping.

[plabo]

Yes, I was born in Pakistan and came to the UK when I was 3 years old. Why do you ask? I already have british citizenship and a British passport. I'm just having delays in renewing it.

I am asking you this question to give some advice 'as to the best of my knowledge'.

Since you are a dual citizen and have been mentioned on a Pakistani or any other country's passport (even once in life and even if it has been expired), the passport office will conduct security checks with their contacts in Pakistan or any other country you belong to when you apply for a renewal.

This is the same process for any British citizen living in Pakistan and applying for a renewal of his passport whilst living in Pakistan (can take 6 months) and even if he comes to visit the UK to renew the passport only, these checks are done. This can involve checking with NADRA etc back in Pakistan and other intelligence agencies.

Even if you surrender your Pakistani passport and give up on your Pakistani nationality, it will no make any change to the 'standard checks' in the long run.

Having British citizenship WITHOUT any other nationality is a much easier matter.

How much time the checks will take, no one can answer as there are many agencies involved in these matters. You can keep trying emailing/calling the passport office but unfortunately 'no pressure OR MP's help' will speed up your case.

[plabo]

Yes, I was born in Pakistan and came to the UK when I was 3 years old. Why do you ask? I already have british citizenship and a British passport. I'm just having delays in renewing it.

I am asking you this question to give some advice 'as to the best of my knowledge'.

Since you are a dual citizen and have been mentioned on a Pakistani or any other country's passport (even once in life and even if it has been expired), the passport office will conduct security checks with their contacts in Pakistan or any other country you belong to when you apply for a renewal.

This is the same process for any British citizen living in Pakistan and applying for a renewal of his passport whilst living in Pakistan (can take 6 months) and even if he comes to visit the UK to renew the passport only, these checks are done. This can involve checking with NADRA etc back in Pakistan and other intelligence agencies.

Even if you surrender your Pakistani passport and give up on your Pakistani nationality, it will no make any change to the 'standard checks' in the long run.

Having British citizenship WITHOUT any other nationality is a much easier matter.

How much time the checks will take, no one can answer as there are many agencies involved in these matters. You can keep trying emailing/calling the passport office but unfortunately 'no pressure OR MP's help' will speed up your case.

Also, I wouldn't be amazed if the passport office calls you to attend an interview as well.

[chacha1]

Oh I understand your logic but that's not really the case as my siblings and parents hold a Pakistani passport too, but the standard checks don't take this long for them. Basically I've been told that because if submitted an application and then withdrawn it, it is prompting a security check where they want proof of british citizenship. My MP has told me this is happening a lot and pressure from them ensures the passport isn't just sitting there but that something is happening! It has been 2 weeks now and I went for the same day service! Hope it comes soon

Yes, I was born in Pakistan and came to the UK when I was 3 years old. Why do you ask? I already have british citizenship and a British passport. I'm just having delays in renewing it.

I am asking you this question to give some advice 'as to the best of my knowledge'.

Since you are a dual citizen and have been mentioned on a Pakistani or any other country's passport (even once in life and even if it has been expired), the passport office will conduct security checks with their contacts in Pakistan or any other country you belong to when you apply for a renewal.

This is the same process for any British citizen living in Pakistan and applying for a renewal of his passport whilst living in Pakistan (can take 6 months) and even if he comes to visit the UK to renew the passport only, these checks are done. This can involve checking with NADRA etc back in Pakistan and other intelligence agencies.

Even if you surrender your Pakistani passport and give up on your Pakistani nationality, it will no make any change to the 'standard checks' in the long run.

Having British citizenship WITHOUT any other nationality is a much easier matter.

How much time the checks will take, no one can answer as there are many agencies involved in these matters. You can keep trying emailing/calling the passport office but unfortunately 'no pressure OR MP's help' will speed up your case.

Also, I wouldn't be amazed if the passport office calls you to attend an interview as well.

[Guscoint]

Hi chacha
Any news ?

[aman90]

My brother received his passport on 5th working day as the same.. filled in online form. Posted same day with pictures, passports and signed declaration with second class signed for.