New UK Travel Regulations From Nov 13
By M K Anw ar

Bandar Seri Begawan - Bruneians wishing to stay in the United Kingdom for more than six months will need to obtain an entry clearance or a UK Residence Permit (UKRP) beginning November 13, 2003.

This was announced yesterday in a press release by the British High Commission here.

These changes are in accordance with changes in the relevant EU regulations as part of an effort to prevent foreigners from entering or remaining in the EU using forged Documents. Work on the new regulation was worked out six years ago and it is only now that it will be put into effect.

Those who intend to stay in the UK for less than six months will not be affected by the change in immigration rules.

The changes, however, will affect Bruneians wishing to travel to the UK on or after November 13 and stay there for more than six months. After this date, the immigration authorities will only grant Bruneians entry at ports for a maximum period of six months.

Bruneians arriving In the UK before November 13 will be granted entry in the usual way. An exception however will he those who wish to extend leave to enter UK this especially applies for students who have enrolled for further period of study. Extensions can no longer be granted on arrival at ports of entry and passengers will he advised to apply to the Home Office for a UKRP.

Bruneians wishing to stay for a longer period are advised to obtain entry clearance prior to their travel from the British High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan as this will be cheaper than applying for a UKRP to extend leave to remain in the UK. Bruneians wishing to stay longer than six months in the UK must first complete the relevant application form, which can be obtained at the British High Commission. The application form must he completed together with the other supporting documents such as university or college acceptance letters and bank statements.

The entry clearance for students costs $108 while for work permit holders, it will cost $225.

Security features on the new UKRPs will improve the level of travel document security making it easier to detect fraud. This in turn will offer people staying long term a greater certainty of entry into the UK before they leave home. It also should greatly speed up entry procedures on arrival in the UK.

Further information on the UKRP is available from the Consular Section, British High Commission at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Rolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan during office hours or by calling 2222231. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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