UK Visa Fees and Health Surcharge Set to Rise to Meet Higher Costs, Says PM Rishi Sunak
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that visa fees and health surcharges paid by applicants, including Indians, are set to increase significantly in order to meet the country’s public sector wage increase. Sunak stated that the fees and surcharges would rise by 5 to 7 percent across the board.
However, he emphasized that the government would not resort to higher borrowing or increased taxes to cover these costs, as it would fuel inflation. Instead, the money would be sourced from other areas. Sunak announced that visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which funds access to the state-funded National Health Service (NHS), would be raised, generating over GBP 1 billion in revenue.
Sunak defended the decision, stating that these fees have not been increased recently, despite rising costs. He also mentioned that government departments would be asked to reprioritize rather than cutting jobs or services.
The IHS currently begins at around GBP 470 for a yearly rate, increasing to thousands of pounds for multiple years. The UK Home Office is expected to provide detailed information on which visa categories will see increases and when the new rates will be implemented.
The Conservative Party-led government has faced significant pressure over public sector pay, resulting in strikes across schools and hospitals. Junior doctors in England recently began a five-day strike after their demands for a 35 percent salary increase were rejected.
Sunak stated that the government’s wage offer was final, and further strikes would not change their decision. He believed that the settlement reached would end the strikes and provide a fair deal for workers and taxpayers.
Teachers’ unions have expressed support for the government’s offer, potentially putting an end to strike actions.
In summary, visa fees and health surcharges for the UK’s NHS are set to rise to cover the country’s public sector wage increase. PM Rishi Sunak emphasized the need to avoid higher borrowing or increased taxes and instead rely on increased fees and reprioritization within government departments. The exact details of the fee increases will be provided by the UK Home Office.
