Passport Office

Why is a countersignature from a "professional person" required for a UK passport application?

Apparently a "professional person or person of standing" such as a minister of religion or bank manager has to sign to say my passport photo is really me. I find it offensive that the UK government suggest that people who do jobs as cleaners, waiters, bar workers or manual labourers etc are untrustworthy and that all professional types are somehow completely honest. Just look at the news and see how company directors, politicians etc lie and cheat. Typical UK elitism - Why can't all UK citizens who pay taxes be treated equally. Is it like this in other countries?

Public Comments

1. i hear you - it's crazy that my friend who became a shyster, money-grabbing lawyer (she is a friend, really!) is considered more 'respectable' or something than me because she has a professional qualification - me who has worked for charities all her life, and contributed FAR more to the welfare of society! So elitist and wrong... It can also be pretty hard for some people to find someone 'professional' who has known them for the required amount of time. I have never met my bank manager, and i certainly don't know any ministers or JPs.