Wife denied boarding on flight back from Thailand because she forgot to bring her BRP card on the trip
UPDATE
Based on multiple people's advice I posted it to Bangkok via DHL. It took 2 days to arrive. For anyone else with this problem the fasted way to resolve it is definitely to get someone to send the BRP card to you.
I'm a British citizen and my wife is South Korean. We've been living in England and she works in England on a spouse visa. We went on a 2 week trip to Thailand with Finnair and on the return from Bangkok they wouldn't let her board because she didn't have the BRP card. We knew she'd forgotten it but we had no idea this would prevent her boarding, we just thought she'd have some hassle at UK immigration but once they checked her fingerprints, iris, face recognition etc she'd be fine. She can legitimately stay in the UK, we just forgot the card.
So now she's stuck in Thailand and I've had to fly home because I have work. It's weekend so the embassy isn't open and the immigration department can only be called on weekdays. Because she's not a British citizen she can't call the emergency hotline either.
The plan so far is for her to wait until Monday and then visit the UK embassy to get advice. It's possible that I will have to post the BRP card to her but we're going to wait and see what the embassy say first.
This is ridiculous because the point of a BRP card (Biometric Residence Permit) is that they've taken all her biometrics and keep them on a database. She shouldn't need the card when her fingerprints are proof she is who she is. I don't understand why this is such an issue.
Does anyone know what the best thing for us to do in this situation is?
Best Answer
As a South Korean, your wife doesn't need a visa (if she were a tourist), but would require to show a ticket leaving the UK within the 6 months given to South Korean tourists. So if your wife bought a ticket bought another ticket (possibly refundable), she couldn't be denied boarding by Finnair, as she would comply, at least in appearance, with visa rules.
However, yes indeed, after landing in the UK she might have to face an uphill battle to prove that she is indeed a resident. You might be able to take her BRP to the airport and bring it to Immigration, who knows? But a DHL would be probably fast and cheaper.
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What happens if I travel without my BRP?
You may be able to prove your immigration status a different way if you have not received your biometric residence permit ( BRP ) yet, or your BRP is lost or stolen. You cannot use a BRP to confirm your right to work or rent. You'll need to prove your right to work online or prove your right to rent online instead.Can I travel back to UK without BRP card?
We strongly recommend that you apply for a single entry replacement BRP visa at the nearest British Embassy or Consulate. This visa is a vignette (sticker) in your passport issued for one month and will enable you to re-enter the UK. This visa may take a few weeks to obtain.Is BRP a travel document?
Please note the biometric residence permit is not a travel document on its own and therefore will need to be shown alongside a passport at the border. However, the document is acceptable as a standalone document when demonstrating immigration status, identity, right to work and access to public benefits.Can I travel with my old BRP card?
Your old brp has been cancelled when new visa approved so no you cannot travel on it.Delta Flight Attendant Tells Dad To Give Up His Kid's Seat or Go To Jail | New York Post
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