Here's what I'm managed to get out of the British Embassy official I just spoke with. Yes, in the past, UK passport holders on family visas have been fairly free to travel in and out of the country. It seems that now, either the authorities have clamped down on family members or one official has chosen to enforce the rules strictly. When we checked with immigration this week, we were told that an exit permit wasn't required.
As far as I'm concerned, it's a lesson learned. As usual, the rules are dependent on who you ask, and who is enforcing them.
Here's what I'm managed to get out of the British Embassy official I just spoke with. Yes, in the past, UK passport holders on family visas have been fairly free to travel in and out of the country. It seems that now, either the authorities have clamped down on family members or one official has chosen to enforce the rules strictly. When we checked with immigration this week, we were told that an exit permit wasn't required.
As far as I'm concerned, it's a lesson learned. As usual, the rules are dependent on who you ask, and who is enforcing them.
--nigel
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