“Significant Increases in Immigration Fees: Implications for Migrants in the UK”
The government’s recent announcement of substantial increases in immigration fees and the immigration health surcharge has sparked concern and raised questions about the impact on individuals and families residing in the UK.
The implications of these fee hikes are substantial. For instance, the cost of a settlement application will rise to at least £2,885 per person, which means a family of four will bear a total cost exceeding £11,500. Furthermore, immigration health surcharge costs can reach approximately £15,000 over five years, assuming no further price increases. Visa fees alone can amount to around £6,200, not including additional Home Office services and legal expenses.
These escalating fees create significant financial burdens for individuals and families compared to their peers and fellow residents. The impact is particularly felt by foreign partners of British citizens, as they now face the challenge of finding £10,575 instead of the previous £7,620 to progress on the ten-year route to settlement.
Although there have been some simplifications in certain areas, such as abolishing the £19.20 biometric enrolment fee and the £161 charge for transfer of conditions, the overall impact of the fee increases cannot be ignored. Additionally, equalizing the cost of student and priority service applications inside and outside the UK may have financial consequences for certain visa types.
It is worth noting that the legality of increasing immigration fees solely to fund pay rises for public sector workers is questionable. While the power to set immigration and nationality fees rests with the Home Secretary under the Immigration Act 2014, specific considerations outlined in the legislation must be followed. The government may argue that reallocating resources within the Home Office to cover the costs of immigration and nationality functions justifies these fee increases.
The dissatisfaction among employers, universities, migrants, and settled family members is palpable. Employers resort to “claw back” clauses, recouping visa and health surcharge costs from employees if they leave their jobs. This practice leaves employees trapped and vulnerable to exploitation, hindering their ability to change employment or leave the country. Some public sector employers also shoulder these fees, resulting in a robbing-Peter-to-pay-Paul situation.
Furthermore, these fee increases put the UK at a disadvantage compared to other European countries and the United States, where immigration fees are significantly lower. The immigration health surcharge, acting as mandatory state health insurance, levies a uniform charge on all migrants, regardless of age or health, unlike private health providers who offer lower rates for the young and healthy.
The fairness of charging family members to enter the country is debatable, as it places a burden on those who have fallen in love with a foreigner and affects children as much as, if not more than, adults. However, charging students and workers can be justified as they have the freedom to make an informed decision about the value of the charge and can choose whether or not to come to the UK.
The immigration health surcharge, which will rise from £624 to £1,035 per year, will affect workers entering for six months or more, as well as the family members of migrants and British citizens. Additionally, student visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, entry clearance, and leave to remain applications will experience increases of at least 20%.
What is particularly concerning is the significant fees imposed on migrants already residing in the country. These fees can be financially and emotionally distressing for families, hindering their integration and creating disadvantages compared to other residents. Furthermore, increasing fees after migrants have arrived makes it nearly impossible for them to plan and budget for their future, potentially forcing some into precarious situations or even illegality.
While these fee increases may seem cost-effective for the government, both financially and politically, they come at a substantial expense for migrants and their families, making their lives significantly more challenging. It is essential to recognize the broader social implications and consider alternative approaches that promote integration and fairness in immigration policies.
