Expats are country-less after 15 years, did you know?
The debate about this In/Out referendum thing has already started to rumble and grumble. Everyone has an opinion, of course, and everyone thinks their opinion is right. There have already been stories of ‘this would happen’ and ‘that would happen’ and ‘what a disaster’ and ‘we’re better off out of it’ and it’s the usual kneejerk reaction from a lot of people, as anything to do with change always is. In this case, it’s only the thought of change that seems to have sparked people off. It’s a debate that’s going to run and run until the votes are counted.
At the moment though it’s all speculation as I, for one, have not seen any lists or details of what it will mean to anyone; I’ve not seen any clarification on the effects an Out vote would directly have on me. I’m looking at the expat view of course my own view as there are potentially things that could affect me, and us, and everyone who is a UK citizen living abroad. But, until I get the definitive news on exactly what that means, then there’s no point getting all uppity about how those living abroad might be affected. But, the debate has raised another question and issue, and that is to do with the rule that: Anyone living away from the UK for longer than 15 years loses their right to vote. Whether you agree with this or not, this is the case.
And what that means for some folk here on Symi is that they can’t, at the moment, vote in any UK elections, despite the facts that they were born there, have paid their pension there, have paid taxes there, maybe own a house there, have family there and are British. A person of 15 years or more away from their homeland has no say in their homeland anymore. Okay, some people say ‘Why should they? They don’t live here.’ Fair enough, and some don’t have any contact with the UK at all, in which case those people probably would not care about a vote anyway. (Unless it means they can no longer live where they are living.)
But then there are others, those who stay in touch with what’s happening and have an interest in family, property, investments, land, savings, heritage, their mother country etc. All those things are still part of their lives and yet have no right to vote after 15 years away. Is that right? Is ‘because it’s how it’s always been’ a good enough answer to the question of why should they? Well, it’s up to the individual to decide on that one, but what some people may not realise is that these people don’t have the right to vote in their country of choice either.
No, not even if y are married here. Unless you become, in our case, a Greek citizen, you will, after 15 years away from your homeland (UK in this case) have no right to vote anywhere except in the local council elections in Greece and in the European elections (at the moment. Leave Europe and the only thing these folk can vote for is their local mayor). You cannot vote for the Greek government even though you pay your taxes here, contribute to the economy, work in the schools, the medical and other professions, you can’t vote in the UK as you no longer live there even if you do pay some taxes there (interest on savings, or other accounts etc.) even though you may own a property there, even though your loved ones, family, parents or children are there and affected by the government… You end up, after 15 years, being in a limbo of no-voice, and the only power you have over higher powers is the chance to vote in your local council elections and in Europe.
So, what do you do? Well, a lot of readers know Jean, founder of the famous Jean And Tonic Bar on Symi and Jean is one of those who fall outside of the 15 years; she is not alone. She has started a petition through Change.org to have this issue debated. Whether you think it’s a good idea or not, you may want to go and see the page and find out what this petition is all about. Support or not, it’s up to you, but it is a question worth debating at least. Only please don’t debate it with me. If in favour then add your name to the list of supporters and ‘sign’ the petition. If not, then simply don’t bother. After all, one doesn’t need to do anything to maintain a status quo, you just need to ignore other people’s views. Click here for the Petition.
