The United Kingdom is increasing visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge for foreign nationals.
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced the increase on Thursday. He said the increase would help bridge the gap after the UK approved a pay increase in public sector wages.
The visa application fee for a standard visitor visa will increase from £100 (₦46,700) to £180 (₦85,050). The fee for a skilled worker visa will increase from £625 (₦285,750) to £1,235 (₦546,975). And the fee for a health and care worker visa will increase from £247 (₦111,775) to £494 (₦218,200).
The Immigration Health Surcharge, which is paid by immigrants who are eligible for free NHS healthcare, will also increase. The surcharge for a standard visitor visa will increase from £200 (₦93,400) to £376 (₦164,680). And the surcharge for a skilled worker visa will increase from £719 (₦313,675) to £1,423 (₦642,125).
The Prime Minister said the increase in visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge was necessary because the fees had not been increased in recent years. He said the increase would help to ensure that the UK can continue to provide high-quality public services.
The increase in visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge is likely to have a significant impact on people from all over the world who are planning to visit or work in the UK. The increase will make it more expensive for people to come to the UK, and it could discourage some people from applying for a visa.
The UK government has said that the increase in visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge will only affect people who are applying for a visa from outside the UK. However, it is possible that the increase could also affect people who are already in the UK and are applying to extend their visa.
The UK government has said that the increase in visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge will be implemented in the coming months.
