Starting in 2024, the annual immigration health surcharge in the UK will be increasing substantially. The charge, which currently sits at £624 (Dh2,810) per person, will be raised to £1,035 (Dh4,661) for new applications. Additionally, child and student applicants will see an increase from £470 (Dh2,117) to £776 (Dh3495).
This change will not only impact individuals seeking visas but also employers who regularly hire foreign talent. With the increased charges, businesses will need to adjust their budgets to account for these additional expenses.
The decision to raise the fees was made following a government agreement to increase wages for public sector workers by 6.5%. The hike in the immigration health surcharge is just one of the steps proposed to meet the costs of this wage increase.
As the deadline approaches, UK employers may opt to expedite the transfer and hiring process for foreign employees in order to save on charges. Meanwhile, immigration agencies are advising applicants to submit their applications before January 16 in order to avoid the increased visa fees. It is crucial for applicants to act quickly, as the deadline is just over two months away.
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I have attended numerous conferences and events around the world, and my work has been featured in major publications such as CoinDesk, Bitcoin Magazine, and Yahoo Finance.