No More Issuance of British Passports Here

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hi,

I read this article in today's The Sun  :


January 27, 2010 : No More Issuance of British Passports Here
Kuala Lumpur: The British High Commission will no longer issue passports at its Kuala Lumpur office to reduce administrative costs and streamline overseas passport operations.

As of the Feb 1, an estimated 8,000 British nationals living in Malaysia will have to send their passport applications to a passport processing centre in Hongkong. The commission, however, said there will be no changes to the current processing time of 10 days.

'We remain committed to ensuring that passports are issued promptly and efficiently," said High Commissioner Boyd McCleary.

The changes come as part of a global initiative to make improvements in security and efficiency while maintaining levels of customer service. However, the commission has said that British residents and tourists will still be able to apply for travel documents to Britain for emergency travel.

The commission will be posting the new application procedures on its website, http://www.ukinmalaysia.fco.gov.uk by the end of this month.
End of Article

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At the moment, the situation re the Bkk Consulate is unchanged.  Monitoring it.

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No, it's changing in Thailand too - got notification yesterday that as from March 1st, have to go through Hong Kong too.

http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk/en/

Feebee, may I say you're looking rather....  errrr.... feminine today 

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No, it's changing in Thailand too - got notification yesterday that as from March 1st, have to go through Hong Kong too.

http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk/en/

Indeed, the page must have changed in the last few hours.  Incidentally, the Philippines changes on Feb 8th, though they receive the applications in Manila and forward them to HK.


The picture is a real Feebee, not a fake one like me!

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I presume we still submit the documents/forms in KL, and they send them off........is this correct or do individuals have to post everything off to HK. Isn't there a security risk?

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Monor, there doesn't seem to be full details on the Embassy websites yet but the Thai one says "Until that date (March 2010), you can continue to submit your passport applications here in British Embassy Bangkok.  We will update this website with further instructions from that date."  That seems to imply that you have to submit them elsewhere from that date.  Who knows, they've probably not thought it through yet 

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Do you not have to send your 'old passport' as well???


How then do you stay withing the law of the land in Malaysia by having your original passport with you.

Cheers

JJ

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hi,

It's the same conundrum as for foreign nationals in the UK. It's more than the British Government's job is worth to make anything easy, or at least not downright difficult. 

As a foreign visitor to the UK you're expected to carry your passport, and to show it as proof of identity. If you look "foreign" (a glazed look in the eyes from restaurant prices should do it) you'll probably need to show proof to the cops at regular intervals.

However, if you have any dealing with the UK Border Agency and it needs your passport then you'll have to send it to Durham. They may keep it for 90 days ++, and they don't issued a receipt so you'll never know if they didn't get it.

And they won't take certified photocopies.  "It's more than my job's worth." 

And posting is the only way of dealing with them, i.e. there's no office to visit anywhere.   

It's all in the interests of :

The changes come as part of a global initiative to make improvements in security and efficiency while maintaining levels of customer service.

In my view, the level of customer service being currently maintained is  pretty low, and I know this from experience with the UK Border Agency, and its Catch 22 annoyances, whilst in the UK in 2008. Of course, the High Commission in KL may be different from it's UK HQ. 

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Wondered if anyone has renewed their British passport by the new method yet, or knows someone who has?  I've got to do mine early next year.

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Has anyone done it yet (via courier to Hong Kong)?  Any problems?  I'm also trying to figure out how the hell you pay - it's priced in UK Sterling (don't have any of those) but they say you can pay in "the local currency" - presumably HK Dollars - don't have any of those either 

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Go to a money changer.
Cheers & Beers,
JAYDEE

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Has anyone done it yet (via courier to Hong Kong)?  Any problems?  I'm also trying to figure out how the hell you pay - it's priced in UK Sterling (don't have any of those) but they say you can pay in "the local currency" - presumably HK Dollars - don't have any of those either 

Are you suggesting sending currency along with the completed application form?

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I was about to say the same thing.

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Just followed one of Scott's links re economy/expats to Expat Telegraph and spotted something on the side of the page re British passports having to be renewed in the UK from 2011 - eeeek, I don't want to go there.  I presume they mean that passports can be sent to the UK?  Geez.... this is getting ever more complicated.  Anyway, here's the link for any Brits who are interested....

http://my.telegraph.co.uk/expat/chelsea_girl_in_china/10140258/a-passport-service-without-let-or-hindrance/

I presume this is to do with all the cost-cutting in the UK now 

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If you have a problem sending currency via registered mail, you can always go to any bank and arrange an International Cheque in the currency you require.
Another alternative is Western Union, which is also available at most banks. www.westernunion.com/info/agentLocatorLookup.asp -
Cheers & Beers,
JAYDEE