The UK government has announced a new policy that will waive the fee for foreign nationals who have lost a partner and are experiencing financial hardship while applying for settlement in the UK.
Currently, individuals seeking to settle in the UK after the death of their British partner face a GBP 2,885 fee. This is set to change.
Fee Waiver Details
According to TravelBiz, Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, confirmed in Parliament that the fee waiver will take effect on October 9, 2024. This new rule aims to support individuals struggling financially after losing a partner.
Malhotra remarked, “Losing a loved one is a profound and unimaginable pain, often compounded by financial strain.” Under the new policy, widows, widowers, and dependent children facing severe financial challenges will be eligible for the fee waiver, allowing them to apply for settlement without the financial burden of the application fee.
Eligibility Criteria
The fee waiver will apply to partners on family visas who meet specific destitution criteria. To qualify, applicants must:
- Have been married to or in a relationship with a British citizen, someone with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, or a national from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status.
- Include bereaved partners of Armed Forces members, Gurkhas, or Hong Kong military veterans discharged before July 1997.
Diplomatic Visa System Overhaul
In addition to the fee waiver, the UK is overhauling its diplomatic visa system. The new “Diplomatic Visa Arrangement” (DVA) will replace the existing Diplomatic Visa Waivers (DVWs). Diplomatic passport holders from countries that previously benefited from DVWs will still have streamlined access to the UK under the DVA.
The updated process will eliminate application fees and fingerprint requirements, simplifying diplomatic travel to the UK.
Introduction of VIP Delegate Visa
A new “VIP Delegate Visa” will also be introduced. This visa is designed for official delegations accompanying foreign Heads of State and government ministers. It will offer up to 20 permits for officials with Heads of State and 10 for those with government ministers. Like the DVA, this visa will not require application fees or fingerprint submissions.
