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08/09/2004
Foreigners set to stump up more for immigration services
Fees for foreign nationals using immigration services could double by April 2005 in a move that could save UK taxpayers £100 million in 2005-06, under plans published for consultation today.
The government is also consulting businesses and other stakeholders on proposals to include appeal and enforcement costs, as part of the overall fee, for the first time. This will ensure that those who benefit from immigration services pay for the cost of delivering them, rather than UK taxpayers. Over £70 million has already been raised through charging in 2003-04 - costs that would previously have been borne by taxpayers.
Costings contained in the consultation document indicate that foreign nationals working in the UK who need to extend their stay (eg work permit holders) will pay between £265 and £300 – up from £121.
Also, leave to remain fees for those who need to extend their stay in the UK, such as students and spouses, may rise from £250 for a premium service to between £430 and £495. The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme will also see fees rise from £150 to between £320 and £375.
And travel document fees for those who cannot get or use a passport from their own country could range from £25 to £270 depending on which type of document is applied for, according to the plans.
Home Office Minister Des Browne said that it was only right that those who benefit from the immigration service meet the costs of providing it.
He added: "The fees we are proposing are proportionate and necessary to ensure that we can deliver a self-financing migration programme which continues to provide an efficient service to its customers, while regulating entry and taking action against those who do not have a right to be here."
(gmcg)
The government is also consulting businesses and other stakeholders on proposals to include appeal and enforcement costs, as part of the overall fee, for the first time. This will ensure that those who benefit from immigration services pay for the cost of delivering them, rather than UK taxpayers. Over £70 million has already been raised through charging in 2003-04 - costs that would previously have been borne by taxpayers.
Costings contained in the consultation document indicate that foreign nationals working in the UK who need to extend their stay (eg work permit holders) will pay between £265 and £300 – up from £121.
Also, leave to remain fees for those who need to extend their stay in the UK, such as students and spouses, may rise from £250 for a premium service to between £430 and £495. The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme will also see fees rise from £150 to between £320 and £375.
And travel document fees for those who cannot get or use a passport from their own country could range from £25 to £270 depending on which type of document is applied for, according to the plans.
Home Office Minister Des Browne said that it was only right that those who benefit from the immigration service meet the costs of providing it.
He added: "The fees we are proposing are proportionate and necessary to ensure that we can deliver a self-financing migration programme which continues to provide an efficient service to its customers, while regulating entry and taking action against those who do not have a right to be here."
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
