Huge Immigration Health Surcharge Increase!

The UK Government has announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will increase by 66%, from £624 to £1,035 per person per year for most main applicants. This change is expected to come in Q1 2024. The IHS is a fee that non-EEA nationals have to pay as part of their visa or immigration application to access the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK.

The government has tried to justify the increase by saying that it will help to fund the NHS and ensure that migrants make a fair contribution to the health system. However, critics have argued that the increase is unfair, disproportionate, and discriminatory, as it will affect vulnerable groups such as students, workers, and family members of migrants. They have also pointed out that many migrants already pay taxes and national insurance contributions that fund the NHS, and that the IHS is an additional burden on top of the high visa application fees.

Applicants should remember that Fee Waivers are available if the application fees are unafordable and you should speak to one of our expert legal team now if you have any questions or concerns regarding the above.