Immigration fees hiked by 15-20%

Economic secretary John Glen told the House of Commons this week the government planned to 'increase the rates of the immigration health surcharge, which have been frozen for the past three years, despite high inflation and wider pressures facing the economy and the system in general, to ensure that it covers the full healthcare costs of those who pay it.'

Under the plans, the main rate will increase to £1,035, and the discounted rate for students and children will increase to £776.

Glen said fees will increase across a range of immigration and nationality routes, including for people coming here to live, work and study at a time of record high migration numbers.

The cost of work visas and visit visas will increase by 15%, and the cost of study visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, wider entry clearance, leave to remain and priority visas will rise by at least 20%.

The government will also equalise costs for students and those using a priority service, so that people pay the same whether they apply from within the UK or from outside the UK.

Glen said the rise in fees and surcharges will help fund the increase in public sector pay. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced this week the government will accept the headline recommendations of the Pay Review Bodies.