My son’s Malaysian passport was stamped with such a certificate which entitles him to enter and leave UK without visa, and to work without having to apply for work permit.
Yet, having heard stories of Malaysians being harassed upon arrival and even deported immediately, he could not sleep for the few nights prior to his scheduled flight on May 12. It was for him, at this stage, a journey to the unknown as his last trip was in 1984 when he was 6 years old. At this stage, a reader might get the impression that I am describing the trip taken by a teenager! A journey to the unknown because he left a job in Malaysia and went into UK without first securing a job. This is also unlike students going for the first time but knowing full well they have been accepted for a course of study and it is only a matter of getting used to the new environment.
As parents, we cannot escape sharing the same anxieties. My question whether he had checked the health requirements further add to his discomfort, not to mention my reminder that he should be prepared to take out some stuff because of overweight luggage.
We went to the airport earlier than necessary, hoping that the check-in person would be more lenient. Anyway, his luggage weighed more than 28kg and after taking out some stuff, weighed 26.5kg which was allowed.
While checking in, the person in charge was worried over his one-way ticket. My son had to explain that he has ‘right of abode’ by showing her his passport and she had to consult her senior who was equally surprised because they had never seen anything like it. Anyway, he cheekily said, 'I'm going back to UK' which explained the one-way ticket.
Naturally, the next 12 hours for us were filled with anxiety and worry, especially in case he had problem with the immigration. That night, my wife and I were watching American Idols on 8 TV to pass time. After that, we switched to Astro to watch CNN news.
By 1.45am, I contacted my elder daughter and I was told that she was already at the airport, that the plane touched down (one worry off) but Alex and wife were stuck in M25. Half an hour later, I was glad to receive a call from her that he had come out of immigration and customs clearance.
Apparently, my son was delayed because he was in the wrong lane! His ‘right of abode’ meant he should have queued at the EU lane, which means hassle-free entry! What a pleasant surprise!
Now that he is in UK, our order to him ‘Go find a job!’
Government fed by the people
Career options
I suggest government... because nobody has ever been caught.
Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?
Corruption is so prevalent it affects English language?
When there's too much dirt...
We need better tools... to cover up mega corruptions.
Prevent bullying now!
If you're not going to speak up, how is the world supposed to know you exist? “Orang boleh pandai setinggi langit, tapi selama ia tidak menulis, ia akan hilang di dalam masyarakat dan dari sejarah.” - Ananta Prameodya Toer (Your intellect may soar to the sky but if you do not write, you will be lost from society and to history.)
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