London, Jan 7 (IBNS): UK visa is set to cost more for Indian and other non-EU citizens from tomorrow, media reports said on Monday.
The hike will be a result of the UK government's decision to raise the immigration health surcharge (IHS), which students, professionals and family members have to pay when they apply for visa.
Introduced in 2015, the IHS enables migrants to access the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK.
“We can confirm that the Immigration Health Surcharge will be doubled on 8 January 2019. The surcharge will rise from £200 to £400 per year, with the discounted rate for students and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme increasing from £150 to £300," a Home Office spokesperson told Hindustan Times on Monday.
“Migrants who make an application on or after January 8, 2019 will pay the new surcharge rate,” the spokesperson said.
UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes said: “We welcome long-term migrants using the NHS, but the NHS is a national, not international health service and we believe it is right that they make a fair contribution to its long-term sustainability.”
“It is only fair that people who come to the UK make a contribution to the running of the NHS, and even with the increase we still continue to offer a good deal on health for those seeking to live in the UK temporarily,” she added.
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