Dad refused entry into UK despite living in country almost entire life

A UK father has been left stranded abroad after new Home Office changes meant his passport wasn’t an acceptable form of documentation at the airport.

Kyle Harris had been holidaying in Kefalonia, a sunny Greek island, with family and friends when things took a turn for the worst as the vacationers attempted to leave the country.

Having booked a Jet2 return flight from Kefalonia to England so he could go home to his home in South Yorkshire with his wife and kids, the 39-year-old was stunned when he was refused entry to the plane.

The whole situation was incredibly frustrating for the family, which was made even more upsetting due to the fact that Kyle was then left stranded in the foreign country whilst in need of medication in the UK to treat a pituitary tumour.

Kyle Harris was refused entry on his Jet2 return flight from his Greek holiday (Facebook)

“Imagine being told your husband can’t come home to the UK - despite living there for 39 years, paying 24 years of tax and national insurance, attending nursery, primary and secondary school, raising British children and building his entire life there,” his wife, Ruth, ranted on Facebook of the ordeal.

She added: “That’s exactly what happened to us on Saturday. After what was an amazing family holiday in Kefalonia with incredible friends we arrived at the airport to be told he could not board the flight home to the UK.”

The whole situation came about because Kyle is a dual-national citizen, having been born in the US, but moved to the UK as a baby and grew up there.

Previously, anyone who is a dual-national of the UK could use their second passport to fly home, however, February changes by the Home Office means only a UK or Irish passport is acceptable, or a ‘certificate of entitlement’.

Kyle, who was born in Maryland to a Brit mum and American RAF dad, had been in the UK since a tot.

Kyle's issue stems from his passport (Getty Stock Images)

However, according to Ruth, the family are now having to prove his right to return, which has left Kyle feeling alienated after previously using his US passport without problems.

“Our options appear to be applying for a British passport from Greece, or a visa to enter his own home country,” said Ruth.

“Not once during booking, travel, or check-in were we warned this could happen. Nor have we seen any of a large campaign that has apparently taken place to ensure people travelling this way know.”

Ruth explained: “This situation needs attention. How can a system be rolled out with so little communication that someone who has lived in the UK virtually their entire life suddenly feels unwelcome, forgotten, and forced to prove they belong?

“And the only way is a passport; not the long-standing paper trail of contribution to that country.

“Right now my husband feels more like a foreigner than a citizen of the country he calls home.”

Right now, the pair have apparently reached out to the British consulate in Greece, as well as the Foreign Office in London.

LADbible reached out to Jet2, the Foreign Office and Home Office for comment.

A spokesperson for Jet2 told LADbible of the situation: “We’re sorry to hear about Mr Harris’ experience. Our cabin crew acted in accordance with government legislation and sought guidance from the Home Office, as the passenger did not have the correct documentation at the time of travel. We advise all customers to check FCDO travel requirements before travelling.”