GamMark

Hi,

I am in the midst of my second application for my three (3) childrens passports ( I missed a deadline the 1st time). when I was struck down with COVID.

I am a British citizen by birth and currently married in The Gambia to my Gambian wife and have submitted all required documents to HMPO to support the application and have taken part in an online interview last week as well. A couple of days ago I received a letter asking me if I want to volunteer to take DNA tests to supoort the applications.

Although I have no issues taking the tests (apart for the outrageous cost £600) as it will obviouls prove parentage I was wondering a couple of things.

- Why is it voluntary and not mandated?
- Does the request indicate that HMPO do not have enough?
- If I am the British citizen, why then are they asking for my wife to take the test?

I have actually made complaints before to HMPO and the Minister for Immigration at the way I have been treated by HMPO as it is as if they keep moving the goalposts.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Cheers

MidAtlantic

You will find answers here: https://assets.publishing.service.go...lications_.pdf

GamMark

Cheers. Much appreciated

jmin

If you choose not to provide the DNA test, the decision will be made based on the balance of probabilities. They are not allowed to use a refusal to submit DNA evidence against you.

That said, an examiner is told to consider whether they already have enough evidence to make a balance of probabilities decision before offering a DNA test. It is likely that if you do not provide the DNA test, your application will be delayed further or denied.

It's likely an issue with your documents given that they consider Gambia to be a high risk country, although it could also have been something in your interview as that is one of the reasons for suggesting a voluntary test.

GamMark

Update: I just received the following from HMPO

While I believe that I have provided enough documentaton, I told them to make the aarangements as when they get the DNA results, it will be conclusive proof of parentage.

The cost is high but I just want my kids to get their passports and don't want to leave anything to chance.

Cheers

BritInParis

They can’t force you to take a DNA test but if they have requested one then the applications will invariably be refused if you don’t provide it. If they didn’t need it then they would have already made their decision.

GamMark

Yeah, that's what I thought as well which is why I agreed to take it.

GamMark

Sooo... I just received instructions from TLS regarding HMPO DNA testing for my wife, myself and our 3 children. I have created an account but when I went to make the payment, it seems like the system is asking me to pay for testing for my wife and myself for each test for our 3 children. Not only is that duplicating the tests but also duplication of costs. Being as each test costs GBP 124.000 it is a serious issue.

Why cannot my wife and I take (and pay) for one test each and the results be associated with our childrens?

Cheers

jmin

Do you mean that they are testing you and your wife three times? 9 tests in total: 3 tests for you, 3 tests for your wife, and three tests for your children?

GamMark

Exactly. I thought when I got to the payment part of the TLS portal I would simply select the 5 of us but no, each of the reference numbers have separate payment options. I actually complained and this was their response.

I am responding as their reply obviously states that there should be five tests so why 9 payments? Seems sort of dodgy and a way for TLS to make money from us applicants.

jmin

Likely because the testing procedure requires that the parentage analysis for each child is done independently of the others. Since TLS responded to you that the fees are correct, it does not seem that there is anything further that you can do. It's unfortunate that it's as expensive as it is. Let us know when you receive the three passports.

GamMark

UPDATE: Finally took the tests on Wednesday. Now waiting for the passports.

GamMark

UPDATE: I just received this email:

"Dear Sir/Madam
We have received the DNA results and are now in the position to issue your children’s British passports. "

Thanks for all the great advice.

Cheers

BritInParis

jmin

Congratulations.