The Government is seeking to increase the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for temporary migrants as a bold measure to raise hundred of millions of pounds for the United Kingdom health service.
Currently temporary migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are paying Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their Home Office application when they wish to live in the United Kingdom for six months or more. This contribution gives them access to NHS services.
The Immigration Health Surcharge was initially introduced on 6 April 2015 and it became one of the mandatory requirements for a successful visa application. Less than 4 years ago the Surcharge was established at a rate of £200 per year for applicants who came to work in the United Kingdom as skilled workers or to invest as entrepreneurs and investors; and £150 per year for students. The Government is now proposing to increase the Surcharge to a rate of £400 per year.
The proposed measure has not been received with much enthusiasm, especially by the companies holding a Sponsor Licence to employ migrants from outside the European Economic Area.
Gherson has extensive experience dealing with Sponsor Licence, Tier 2, Tier 1 Investor and Tier 1 Entrepreneur applications and can assist in preparing such applications, and/or advise you on any aspects of the same. Should you require our advice or assistance with your application, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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