British baby stranded in Qatar amid passport chaos

A newborn British baby is stranded in Qatar because of delays at the Passport Office.

Dylan White, only seven weeks old, was born in Qatar to parents Phil and Claire, both teachers, who want to bring him home to meet family in Wales.

Mr White applied for the passport in mid-May to give them all a holiday as temperatures in Doha are hitting a searing 50C.

But he has been told they may have to wait at least eight weeks for the application to be processed.

Not only are they prevented from heading back to Wales, the family also risk being fined as babies of two months old or more must have a passport under Qatari law.

Phil, 33, told the Daily Telegraph: "We were under the impression that it would take up to six weeks, we've since been told it could be at least eight weeks – it's a desperate situation."

According to the Metro, he added: "We're angry and frustrated –our family in Wales are working so they can't come here to see us."

His wife said: "We want to take Dylan home to see our family – we can't take him out in the car or go for a walk here as it's so hot."

The news comes as it was this week revealed that around half a million Brits could face travel chaos amid the 'passport backlog' - meaning many won't receive their documents in time for their holidays.

According to the Daily Mail, the Passport Office says it has received 300,000 more applications since January than this time last year, suggesting the rise is down to "the improving economy and a rise in holiday bookings".

But unions are saying job cuts have left it unable to cope with the level of demand as the busy summer holiday period approaches.

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