Briefing on visa fees sent to all MPs
Briefing on visa fees sent to all MPs
We have sent a briefing on the impact of the NHS surcharge and extortionate visa fees on migrants in the UK to every MP. In the briefing, we call on the Government to abolish the NHS surcharge for all migrants, reduce visa fees for adults to the cost of administration, and make visa applications for children free of charge. Aware of the particular difficulties caused by Covid-19 for many migrants, we also called on the Government to automatically extend all leave to remain by one year.
We have been working with our members across the country over the last year to gather their experiences of the immigration system, particular in relation to the costs of visas and associated charges (NHS surcharge, translation of documents, scanning documents etc.). In May 2020 we held a meeting with around 40 of our West Midlands members and John Spellar MP, and heard more about the desperate situation many of our members are facing.
One week later, we facilitated coverage of this issue in the Guardian, which was front-page news and contributed to the Government's decision to drop the NHS surcharge for NHS workers. On the same day, our members spoke to Channel 4 News and the Press Association - and to the Guardian again the next day. Because while the news was welcome, it didn't go far enough.
The NHS surcharge is unfair for all migrants, and visa fees are extortionate across the board. And it's a cruel reality that those on the lowest incomes have to pay the most, and pay over the longest period, before they can become British citizens.
Get in touch with MV's Campaign Organiser, Ruth Taylor (ruth@migrantvoice.org) if you would like to get involved in this campaign.