Given that the Olympics is opening in London in the middle of this year it is clear that Immigration Officials have been on more “country ambassador” courses. I have to share with you my monosyllable exchange this week with a charming female Immigration Officer. Her body language as I approached dictated the direction of our interaction even before it began. My answers are in italic.
Good morning (said with a smile)
Why are you here? (Here we go thinks me)
Business
Who do you work for?
Xxxx
Who is xxxx?
They are a business
What sort of business?
They make things
What sort of things?
Internet things
What are you going to do here?
Attend Meetings
Who with?
People
Who are these people?
People who have flown in to have this meeting
Why are you going?
Because it is my meeting
When you leave, where are you going?
Home
Where is home?
Amsterdam
Do you have a Visa?
No
Why not?
I don’t need one
Why don’t you need one?
I am a permanent resident
Where was this passport issued?
London
You haven’t filled in that question on the form
Apologies, thank you for filling it in
Yes, we are here to help (oh yes, very clearly)
