Immigration health surcharge rises on the 18 December 2018
In a week of politics that defies description, it would be easy to forget that on the 18th of December the Immigration health surcharge has risen.
For some individuals the amount payable for the surcharge has risen by 100%.
That is a big increase. It is also a lot more money for people to find when paying for visa applications.
How will the increase in the Immigration health surcharge affect individual visa applicants?
Anyone applying for a visa to enter the UK for more than 6 months or to remain in the UK needs to pay the Immigration health surcharge. The surcharge is payable even if:
• You have your own private health insurance; or
• You do not require any National Health Service treatment.
For student applicants the Immigration health surcharge will increase from £150 to £300 a year on the 18 December 2018.
For other visa applicants the cost will increase from £200 to £400 per year.
This is the first rate change since the Immigration health surcharge was introduced in 2015.
How can OTS Solicitors help?
OTS Solicitors are London based Immigration solicitors who are experts in business immigration law and Sponsor Licences and visa applications for individuals. If you need help with a Sponsor Licence, visa application or the Immigration health surcharge, contact us on 0203 959 9123 and our experienced Immigration solicitors will help you.
Why is the Immigration health surcharge doubling in price?
It was in February 2018 that the government said that the Immigration health surcharge would double in price. The decision came about because of a review by the Department of Health and Social Care.
The review had looked at the cost to the National Health Service of treating non-EEA migrants. The review concluded that the 2015 surcharge price was not meeting the cost of the average migrant National Health Service usage.
The government estimates that the increase in the surcharge will raise an extra £220 million a year for the National Health Service.
Will the Immigration health surcharge meet the cost of migrant National Health Service care?
You would assume that with the surcharge doubling that the extra costs would now meet the cost of migrant National Health Service care. According to the best London immigration solicitors the increase in surcharge still will not meet the real cost to the National Health Service of treating migrants. Therefore, top London immigration solicitors speculate that we may see more rises in the surcharge.
Will all migrants pay the increased Immigration health surcharge?
At present vulnerable migrants are exempt from paying the Immigration health surcharge. The best London immigration solicitors advise that Asylum seekers and victims of modern slavery will remain exempt from paying the surcharge.
How is the surcharge increase being brought in?
top London immigration solicitors advise that the changes are being introduced through the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2018.
The Order also makes some changes if applicants pay the Immigration health surcharge in foreign currency.
Business Sponsor Licences and the increase in the Immigration health surcharge
It is inevitable that the increase in the Immigration health surcharge will affect the bottom line profitability of companies who are reliant on a migrant workforce.
It is assumed, by the public, that it is cheaper for businesses to hire foreign workers. top London immigration solicitors know that there are many hidden costs to business in recruiting from abroad, such as:
• The Immigration skills charge; and
• The cost of applying for a Sponsor Licence ; and
• The administrative and associated cost of maintaining the Sponsor Licence ; and
• The administrative cost of complying with the Resident Labour Market Test regulations; and
• Administration of the right to work checks and record keeping; and
• Staff training on Immigration issues and human resource management issues arising from the Employment of a diverse workforce.
The best London immigration solicitors appreciate that non-EEA workforce recruitment is not the easy option that many assume it is.
How can OTS Solicitors help?
For individual immigration needs:
OTS Solicitors have over 60 years of combined legal Immigration expertise to guide you through the process of making a visa application.
OTS Solicitors have substantial experience in:
• Visa applications;
• Tourist and Student Visas;
• spouse visa applications;
• Super Premium Service;
• Premium Service;
• British passport applications;
• Immigration appeals and judicial review.
For business immigration needs:
OTS Solicitors are recognised and ranked in the leading legal publication, Legal 500, for their business immigration expertise.
When it comes to the business of Immigration for UK companies OTS Solicitors give proactive efficient advice on:
• Sponsor Licences;
• The Immigration health surcharge;
• Skills shortages;
• Right to work checks;
• Resident Labour Market Test requirements and compliance;
• Sponsor Licence suspension and revocation issues.
In a time of fast paced Immigration law changes it pays to get expert advice from a top London Immigration solicitor for your individual and business immigration needs.
For advice on the increased Immigration health surcharge or visa applications or business related Immigration questions please call us on 0203 959 9123 and one of our experienced team if Immigration solicitors will be happy to help you.