Visa fees ‘should be waived’ for Commonwealth soldiers

A CROSS-PARTY group of MPS has urged the Home Secretary to waive visa fees for Commonwealth soldiers who want to stay in the UK after service in the British Armed Forces.

A letter signed by 133 MPS from eight parties asks Sajid Javid to recognise “the nation’s respect” for the servicemen and women affected by fees.

Currently, a service leaver with a spouse and two children could face fees of £10,000 to settle in the UK.

Around 500 Commonwealth personnel per year contend with these costs. Those who cannot pay, or whose applications fail, can face deportation.

Richard Graham MP, a cosignatory of the letter, said the public would feel the fees were “somewhat mean” and that the Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary were supportive of a change.

He added: “These men and women are willing to put their life on the line for our country and the current situation doesn’t reflect our and the nation’s respect for them.”

Serving Commonwealth personnel can be accompanied by their families and are exempt from immigration controls. However, this exemption is removed immediately on discharge and, until their status is decided, veterans may not seek employment, claim benefits or register with a GP.

Indefinite Leave to Remain can be requested by veterans with four years of service. Visa application fees have risen by 127 per cent in the last five years from £1,051 to £2,389, and since 2003 have risen by 1,441 per cent.

The Government wants to recruit 1,250 Commonwealth personnel a year, up from 200, to raise manning levels.

‘The current situation doesn’t reflect our and the nation’s respect for them [Commonwealth soldiers]’