The Home Office knocked back an application for the Loch Ness Monster to be granted permanent residency in the UK.
The bizarre application was launched by members of an arts collective who filled out documents, paid the £65 processing fee and even attached a passport picture.
They said they made the tongue-in-cheek request because the monster "is likely to leave the UK to settle in a new lake within the EU" in the wake of Brexit.
And in a generic response, the Home Office said: "Thank you for your application to the Home Office. Your application has been received and is being considered."
But the application was eventually knocked back and in a response, a Home Office representative said: "Thank you for the above application.
"From the information provided it appears that a refund is appropriate."
Hannah Kendaru, 23, a member for the Glasgow-based arts collective The Doing Group, said: "We filed the application in good faith.
"However, the process was a difficult one. Nessie has a reputation for being elusive - signatures, passport photos and other information were very difficult to obtain.
"The reason behind the application has been the increased concern and hostility many people in the United Kingdom have been facing since Brexit has been becoming a reality.
"Nessie has lived in Scotland for a long time. Yet, her origin is unknown. Due to the worries that Brexit has caused, it was only natural to apply for a residency permit."
The arts group is now talking to experts in order "to figure out the best way of moving Nessie humanely and comfortably".
And they have appealed for members of the public to suggest an alternative home for the beast.
Irina Glinski, 27, another member of the group, said: "We are disappointed by the response from The Home Office.
"We are now in a position where we will have to consider the best course of action for Nessie's future.
"We have entered discussion with experts about how best to move Nessie in a humane and comfortable way."
The arts collective has now appealed for individuals and communities to submit alternative waters for the monster on their website.
Pictures and samples that "that we can test in comparison to Loch Ness" are also being encouraged.
The group said "more than ten lakes across Europe have signed up" so far.
Hannah added: "We can already see how proud people and communities are of their home lakes and it is heartening to see how many people are eager to help and welcome Nessie into their waters."
A spokesman for the Home Office said "the application was voided before any assessment because it was not for a real person".
Source
No comments:
Post a Comment