UK Immigration fees to be hiked

This was stated by Phil Woolas, the Minister of State for Borders and Immigration. The latest changes in the immigration fees will come into effect from April 2010 onwards. 

The immigration fees for UK is reviewed by the government after regular intervals for making the desired changes. Fees have been increased so as to generate extra funds for the immigration system from those who receive benefits from this system. 

The most significant increase has been introduced in the fees for the dependent relative visa, which has been trebled as compared to the fees before such changes. Meanwhile, other services will find an increase of up to £100. 

So, for bringing elderly relatives living outside the UK, new fees will be increased to £1,680 as compared to the earlier fees of £585. Every year, nearly 5,000 elderly relatives come to UK. 

Some migrate to the UK by filing an application for a visa while they are living outside the United Kingdom; others who come to pay a visit to their relatives in the UK continue to stay there since they cannot care for themselves. 

Apart from increase in the fees for bringing elderly parents from overseas, there will be an additional charge of 10 percent for every child of any migrant wanting to extend the stay of their family already living in the UK.  

Additionally, a new fast-track scheme is being started on a trial basis for migrants wanting to renew their visas but don’t want to forward their applications for visa renewal at any PEO (Public Enquire Office).hence, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will offer a personalized renewal service to such migrants in their homes by collecting their biometrics and processing their visa. 

These hikes in UK immigration fees, which are much higher than the costs of application processing, are facing criticism from far and wide.

However, the immigration minister Phil Woolas defended this move saying that such changes in the fees is justified since it represents good value for money. Woolas maintained that it will help fund nearly 25,000 personnel working at the border, in the local communities and in nearly 135 nations globally.