UK Citizenship: Mohammad Al-Fayed

I asked:  Can John Heelan tell us why the Egyptian owner of Harrod's is refused British citizenship?  John replies: The formal position was reported in May 1999 as follows: "Mohamed Al-Fayed's applications for British citizenship was rejected because the Harrod's owner demonstrated a "serious want of probity," according to the ruling released by the Home Office. Mr Fayed's application was finally rejected by Jack Straw last week and, although "considerable weight," had been given to Fayed's charitable work, his employment of 3000 staff, and the taxes he paid, he was still unable to grant the Egyptian-born businessman his wish. "The Secretary of State must be satisfied than an applicant meets the requirement... to be of good character..." said a Home Office letter. "Having considered all of your representations the Home Secretary is still not satisfied."  The three-page letter, released by Mr Fayed, gave two main reasons for refusing a passport. The first concerned his role in the opening of a Harrod's safe deposit box belonging to his business rival Tiny Rowland. The second was his, "admitted payment of cash and benefits in kind to MPs."  Fayed has said that he believes himself to be a victim of an Establishment conspiracy to keep him out. "I know it's the Establishment behind this," he said. "This is my country. I have lived here for more than 30 years. I have British kids. I have sacrificed 30 years of my life for this country"

[Source: http://www.oxfordstudent.com/1999-05-13/news/11]

Al-Fayed's comment about the Establishment contriving to "keep him out" probably has even more merit after the liaison between Diana, the mother of a future King of England, and his son, Dodi, that ended so tragically.

RH: The Establishment must have been very upset by Diana's relationship with Dodi. I was; it was like the marriage of Jacquiline Kenedy to a wealthy old Greek shipowner.  However, if Al-Fayed was accused of bribing MPs, were they named and punished?

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