The United Kingdom has announced that it will be increasing visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge for foreign nationals. The increase is being implemented to help fund a pay increase for public sector workers.
The Immigration Health Surcharge will increase from £624 to £1,035 per person per year. Visa application fees will also increase, with work and visit visas increasing by 15% and study visas, certificates of sponsorship, wide entry clearance, leave-to-remain and priority visas, and others, increasing by at least 20%.
The decision to increase visa fees has been met with criticism from some social media users, who argue that it is not a sustainable solution to the issue of funding public sector wages. They argue that the government should look at other ways to raise revenue, such as increasing taxes or borrowing money.
Others have defended the decision, arguing that it is fair for foreign nationals to contribute to the cost of the NHS. They also argue that the increase in visa fees will help to deter those who are only coming to the UK to access the benefits system.
The increase in visa fees will come into effect on 6th September 2023.
