Job Discussion Forums

[Abu Dawud]

Hi Guys,

I would like to know if you changed your name and applied for a ACRO police check and it returns with both name on it, will this affect your visa process. I know Saudi embassy has silly criteria for refusing visas. I’m not trying to manipulate the ACRO to avoid prior convictions, just curious???

[nomad soul]

For visa purposes, your passport serves as your official identification. However, a name change is only a problem if you changed from, say, John Jones to Joanna Jones.

Name changes are nothing new. I'm sure there are teachers who converted and subsequently amended their name prior to heading abroad for work. Ditto for women who take on their spouse's last name. It entails having to provide verification of legal name change (as proof of identity) in terms of getting a passport, government ID card, amending retirement benefits, birth records, etc. (I say this as an American but assume the requirements are somewhat similar in the UK.)

Anyway, have you actually looked at the police record application form? Government forms tend to require applicants to list any former names. At most, you might also need to submit proof along with your request, although it's very likely the law enforcement database already indicates your legal name change. Contact them if you're unclear.

By the way, given the global threat of terrorism and identity fraud, a country's immigration and security requirements shouldn't be viewed as "silly."