Thai Daughter Wants Uk Passport

[JDGK]

Hi – I have had a look around the forums and can't really see where this would fit. If I am breaking any rules, I apologize. I just thought there would be more of a chance of getting an answer here.

I have lived in Thailand for 20 years and I am married. When I married my wife she had a daughter from a previous marriage. I legally adopted my wife's daughter over 10 years ago. Like many Thai 20-odd year olds she is now thinking about education in the United Kingdom.

I wonder to what extent she is entitled to a British passport. Logically, it would seem she should be entitled to one. Has anyone on this forum had a similar situation with adopted children who would like a British passport? If so, please let me know. I would very much appreciate any advice available.

Thanks in advance.

John

Edited December 9, 2007 by JDGK

[Mahout Angrit]

See the B & IA web site which states:-

Will my adopted child become a British citizen automatically?

Your child will only become a British citizen if you adopted them through the United Kingdom courts and at least one of their adoptive parents was a British citizen when the adoption order was made.

It also says:-

Will a foreign adoption order be recognised in the United Kingdom?

A foreign adoption order will only be recognised in the United Kingdom if it was made in a country that is included in the Adoption (Designation of Overseas Adoptions) Order, 1973. This is known as a designated country.

and from this list Thailand is not a designated country.

Edited December 9, 2007 by Mahout Angrit

[Manchester]

The above answers your question.

There is not much to prevent her seeking an education in the UK if she is bright enough and you have the means to provide her with the costs of the education.

[JDGK]

Thanks

See the B & IA web site which states:-

Will my adopted child become a British citizen automatically?

Your child will only become a British citizen if you adopted them through the United Kingdom courts and at least one of their adoptive parents was a British citizen when the adoption order was made.

It also says:-

Will a foreign adoption order be recognised in the United Kingdom?

A foreign adoption order will only be recognised in the United Kingdom if it was made in a country that is included in the Adoption (Designation of Overseas Adoptions) Order, 1973. This is known as a designated country.

and from this list Thailand is not a designated country.

[dee123]

......I find myself in a similar situation,my Thai wife and I are resident in U.K. now her youngest daughter has leave to remain but the eldest daughter who is 26 now can only get visitor visa........it doesn't seem fair.

[yorkman]

......I find myself in a similar situation,my Thai wife and I are resident in U.K. now her youngest daughter has leave to remain but the eldest daughter who is 26 now can only get visitor visa........it doesn't seem fair.

Can you not just adopt the eldest one? (see post above), 26 is a bit old for adoption , but it might be worth a go, then stage 2 ? Not sure how practical this is.......

It isnt "fair" of course, but then in needs to be the same rules for all, and the UK is fighting many other corners regarding immigration.

[Mahout Angrit]

Can you not just adopt the eldest one? (see post above), 26 is a bit old for adoption , but it might be worth a go, then stage 2 ? Not sure how practical this is........

The B & IA web site also says:-

How does my adopted child qualify to join me in the United Kingdom?

You, or your child, must show that he or she:

is not leading an independent life, is not married and has not formed an independent family unit;

is under 18 years;

was adopted when both parents lived together abroad or when either parent was settled in the United Kingdom;

has the same rights as any other child of the adoptive parents;

was adopted because their original parents could not care for them and there has been a genuine transfer of parental responsibility;

has broken all ties with their original family; and

was not adopted just to make it easier to enter the United Kingdom.