Monday, February 17, 2025

Latest Posts

UK Announces Visa Reforms and Fee Exemptions for Bereaved Foreign Nationals


September 15th, 2024 at 01:02 pm

UK Announces Visa Reforms and Fee Exemptions for Bereaved Foreign Nationals

The UK government is planning to implement new regulations that will enable foreign nationals who are experiencing financial hardship and have lost a spouse to ask for a cost waiver when they want to settle in the nation. Regardless of their financial status, those who wish to petition for settlement upon the death of their British partner are currently required to pay a substantial cost of GBP 2,885.

A New Fee Waiver for Partners Who Have Lost a Spouse

The government will no longer charge this cost as of October 9, 2024, according to a statement made in Parliament by Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Citizenship and Migration of Indian Origin. A “fairer and more compassionate approach” is intended to be provided by the modification to individuals who are grieving and are suffering significant financial difficulties.

Malhotra stated, “Losing a loved one is a deep and unimaginable pain, often made worse by financial hardship.” To settle and carry on with their life in the UK, the new rule will permit widows, widowers, and dependent children to seek a fee waiver if they fear destitution.

Qualifications for the Waiver

Applicants for the fee waiver must be partners on family visas who satisfy the requirements for destitution. Partners who qualify must have married or been in a relationship with a person who was:

  • A national of Britain
  • A person with permanent residency in the United Kingdom
  • From Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or the European Union (EU), having pre-settled status
  • The waiver also extends to widows of members of the Armed Forces, Gurkhas, and veterans of Hong Kong who were discharged before July 1997.

New Visa Processes for Diplomatic Visitors

Apart from waiving the fees, the UK is modernizing its diplomatic visa application process. A new “Diplomatic Visa Arrangement” (DVA) was introduced by Malhotra as part of the modernization of border procedures in the UK with digital pre-travel checks. There will be a phase-out of the current Diplomatic Visa Waivers (DVW).

Diplomatic Visa Arrangements to Replace DVWs

Diplomatic passport holders from nations that presently benefit from DVWs will continue to have easy entry to the UK under the new DVA. There will be no fees and no need to provide a fingerprint for applicants to employ a streamlined method. This agreement guarantees the continued efficiency and ease of diplomatic travel.

Launch of VIP Delegate Visa

The “VIP Delegate Visa,” a new visa product that the UK is introducing, is intended for official delegations traveling with foreign heads of state and government ministers. Up to 20 permits for government employees traveling with heads of state and 10 permits for government ministers will be issued under this special visa. The prerequisites for fingerprint submission and application costs will be waived, much like with the DVA.

By expediting diplomatic travel while upholding security protocols, these modifications seek to bring the UK’s diplomatic visa procedures into line with those of its foreign partners.

Conclusion

The UK’s dedication to justice and compassion is reflected in these new measures, especially for foreign nationals who have suffered considerable personal and financial losses. The UK is improving assistance for individuals in need and streamlining diplomatic visits with the implementation of the settlement fee waiver and improved diplomatic visa procedures.

Follow us on Newsnowgh.com to stay updated on the latest information regarding work permits, visa application processes, paths to permanent residency, and visa-sponsored employment.

ALSO READ:

JOIN WHATSAPP

For daily job alerts and guide to worldwide visas, join our WhatsApp and Telegram group

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATSAPP GROUP

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE TELEGRAM GROUP

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

 

NOTE:

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD AN APPLICANT PAY MONEY TO ANYONE IN GETTING A JOB WE HAVE PUBLISHED 

Latest Posts

Don't Miss