Job Discussion Forums

[Jwana]

Hi Everyone - I am a qualified TESOL professional (Degree + Grad. Diploma in TESOL) with 15 years experience teaching adults in Australia & 1 year in China. But I would like to try working/living in Spain in the not too distant future.
Obviously, because I am an Australian national I don't have the right to work in the EU. However, I do have 'right of abode' in the UK coz my mum was born there. I've tried to get a British passport but was informed that I was born 11 months too early to qualify!
I have read many of the postings here re non-EU citizens finding work in Spain - the good & the not so good stories. But does anyone out there know whether or not my 'right of abode' status in the UK would be of any help in legally finding work in Spain?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!
Jwana
PS 'Right of abode' basically means that I can live & work in the UK as long as I wish to but I still have to travel on my Australian passport.

[Jetgirly]

To get your national insurance / social security number here in Spain, you basically just go to the office with your EU passport and a photocopy of it, stand in line, have them stamp a few pieces of paper and then wait 20-40 days for the number to arrive in the mail. Because the only thing you need is that EU passport, I would logically guess that an Australian passport wouldn't get you very far. But I can't be certain.

[Jwana]

Hi -thanks for that information. I think you're probably right - I won't be able to get far with my Aussie passport + UK right of abode!
Anyway, thanks once again.
Cheers
Jwana

[lozwich]

Jwana,

What do you mean you were born 11 months too early? I was born in 1970 to two English parents, and I decided to use my father's nationality to apply for my British passport, but could have equally use my mother's. Or have they changed the rules? When I was applying, they literally weren't allowing any b*astards in! There was a question where I had to specify (and prove) that my parents were married when I was born!!!

Good luck,
Lozwich.

[Jwana]

Hi Lozwich
The sad story is that anyone born to UK parents after 7 February 1961 can get a British passport - I was born in March 1960 to an English mother ...so all I can get is a 'right of abode in the UK' certificate which is stuck in my Aussie passport!
This gives me unlimited work/living rights in the UK...but I think the EU is off-limits.
I can't believe my bad luck - & the ridiculous UK legislation. I have registered a protest with the British embassy here but won't hold my breath for a favourable reply!
Thanks for your input though - & just be grateful for your brithday!!.
Jwana

[SandyM]

Jwana, I may well be able to help you. I'm an English teacher too, but I'm currently studying to be an Immigration Advisor (yes, I want to get out of this game too!). I can probably give you the right advice - no charge! - if you're willing to provide me with the relevant info. Let me know if you are, and we'll take it from there - I'll need to ask you quite a few questions to judge your eligibility.

Sandy

[Jwana]

Hi Sandy
Thanks for your kind offer! I've actually sent you an email at your personal email address giving you some more details of my 'case'.
Any advice appreciated.
Cheers
Jwana