softlee softlee catchee monkey

Another step forward in the up-hill struggle that is attempting to secure a Final Exit Visa. This morning the British Trade Office informed the Gnomad that his letter, requesting a police report showing that the Gnomad had no criminal convictions in the Magic Kingdom, was ready for collection and for only the local equivalent of 72 UKP (142 USD)

This is just the letter requesting the police report of course, the Gnomad now needs to actually request the police report itself, which will likely cost more. This Police report is for the Gnomad's new employer in the UK and is not actually part of the Final Exit Visa process, but it requires that the Gnomad's passport and ID are presented at the police station. Both of these documents must be surrendered when applying for the Final Exit Visa and so this must be done before that application is made. the ID will never be returned and the passport will be handed back on the final day of the Gnomad's contract.

This is further complicated by the fact that it is actually illegal in the Magic Kingdom for an ex-pat to be in possession of both their passport and ID at the same time, their sponsor must hold one of them at all times. This means that to make the application for the police report involves a member of the Government Relations Office* accompanying the Gnomad to the police station to make the request.

With any luck the letter can be picked up and the visit to the police station can both be accomplished tomorrow, or failing that the next day, Insh'Allah

Yet another step, the selling of the Gnomadmobile, was accomplished today. Hands were shaken, cash was exchanged and papers were pushed. The administration involved may only take another two days (Insh'Allah) and then that is a fait accompli too

There are now significantly more hurdles behind the Gnomads than remain in front.

Huzzah!



* The Government Relations Office: This is one of the administrative departments of the Gnomad's current employer. For a staff of less than a thousand people it is necessary to employ six people full-time to deal with all of the administration that the Government of the Magic Kingdom chooses to inflict on the ex-pat population, just to make them feel welcome, valued and appreciated.