Foreign National Name Changes on the Increase!

by Tina Clough, 30th May 2009.

The number of foreign nationals changing their names by Deed Poll, and choosing to adopt British names to avoid discrimination has increased by 40 per-cent according to online name change provider, The Legal Deed Service.

The new report  found that since January 2009, applications made to The Legal Deed Service for their innovative name change service has sky rocketed, highlighting the need for acceptance and conformity.

Chief executive of The Legal Deed Service, Jamie Jackson said, “It is possible for foreign nationals and refugees to change their names by Deed Poll, and this allows them to get their documents changed. I would advise anyone going down this route to check with their countries high commission or embassy in London, as this will allow them to find out if a Deed Poll certificate will be enough to change their passport.

“These new figures just go to show what lengths people will go to in order to fit into British society and start a new life. The customers we have had applying for a Deed Poll have told us that in some cases they believe  that a name change would increase their chances of getting a job, despite our countries rules about discrimination. This just goes to show that our country has a long way to go in terms of making foreign nationals feel welcome and that our existing policies should be revised sooner rather than later.”

Juliette Cook from Nottingham, said, “Although my dad hasn’t changed his name legally, I can see why many people would, my dad’s name is Ludwig and everybody in England calls him Tony as it is much easier to pronounce.”

Mr Jasckson from the name change firm who recently changed Christine Hamilton’s name to ‘Mrs British Battleaxe’, said, “Foreign nationals who are currently residing in the United Kingdom are eligible to apply for a Deed Poll and we have had applications processed from people all over the world. Depending on where you are from, there may be different procedures where a Deed Poll may need to be witnessed by a solicitor, but anyone interested in changing their name should contact us and we can give them sound yet practical advice.

This page was last updated: 30 May 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                

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