The United Kingdom Home Affairs has announced a mouthwatering increase in visit visas to the UK for less than six months for £115 as opposed to £15. This is scheduled to kick off on the 4th of October 2023.
The UK government announced that the increase in Visa fees would help to pay for “Vital services and allow more funding to be prioritized for public sector pay rises”. The new fee is presently subject to parliamentary approval which is about a 667% increment.
The UK government made this known on Friday 15th of September 2023, on its website. Talking of the purpose, the UK statement reads that “ The changes mean that the cost for a Visit visa for less than six months is rising from £15(N14,592.70) to £115(N111,878,28) while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise from £127(N123,537.58) to £490 (N476,677.59), to equal the amount charged for in-country applications”.
To be added, it reads “Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system. Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.”
Nigeria News recalls that the UK government announced in July, that a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas and an increase of not less than 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship. The new changes now include fees for up to six months two years, five years, and then year visit visas.
The UK government has also increased the majority of fees for entry clearance and certain applications for leave to remain in the UK. The increment also includes work and study purposes.
