Residents react to new UK Embassy rules

Abu Dhabi: Residents have expressed concern regarding the new rule which states that documents should be sent to the UK for attestation instead of the British Embassy, as of October 1.

These documents will have to go through the UK Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes and to the UAE Embassy in London by courier or through designated companies authorised to complete those procedures, Gulf News reported earlier.

“I imagine that getting documents verified in the UK will take much longer than if papers were just done here. I don’t know how it will affect the fees but I feel that time will definitely become an issue,” said Marah Al Saifi, a Dubai-based British resident who completed her higher education in London.

Previously, a UK public official at the British Embassy would place a seal, signature or stamp on a document to confirm its authenticity.

“We are introducing important changes to how we deliver notarial and documentary services. These changes will result in a more streamlined service of the legalisation process, which will allow staff to spend more time helping the most vulnerable people and the most serious cases,” a statement issued on Thursday by the British Embassy in Dubai said.

However, Britons living in the UAE thought otherwise, stating that attesting documents is a major part of the Embassy’s job and should not be dismissed.

“I am surprised that the British Embassy will stop providing this service as I can imagine it was a significant part of their daily work there, especially with so many British expats living in the UAE,” said 21-year-old British student Cherry Warburton.

“Often when people attest documents it is for important matters such as business or employment, and these might be urgent matters. To have to send the documents to the UK will incur delays and might cost more and there is a chance they might be misplaced,” she added.

The changes come in light of the new Consular Strategy 2013-2016 of the UK FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) in a bid to improve its services.

“Our services will always be high quality, but we may vary the level of service across the network according to local circumstances. Customers will have more choice in how they access our services. We will be able to respond to changing needs and to react to crisis situations effectively,” the statement added.

Customers who have any questions can contact the embassy on 04 3094444 or e-mail consular.uae@fco.gov.uk.