In July 2023, the UK government announced it intended to increase the rates of the immigration health surcharge. On October 18 – 19, 2023, the government presented parliament the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023, which confirms that the increase will take effect on January 16, 2024.
Key Information
- As previously announced, the annual cost of the Health Charge will increase from £470 to £776 for students, dependents of students, applicants for entry clearance as a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme Applicant) and persons under 18 years of age.
- For all other applications made in respect of a person aged 18 or over at the date of the application, the Health Charge will increase from £624 to £1035.
- The order also clarifies that applicants who are applying for the Stateless immigration route are exempt from the requirement to pay the Health Charge. This will put applicants in a similar position to migrants who are granted refugee status.
Ukraine Scheme
The order also formalizes existing exemptions under the Ukraine Schemes. The Ukraine Schemes were launched in March 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine to support migrants displaced by the war in Ukraine to either enter or remain in the UK.
Impact
In its own explanatory memorandum, the government admits that these substantial increases will likely have a significant impact on businesses, charities and volunteer bodies.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.