Visa charge for Commonwealth veterans is likely to be ditched
HIGH visa bills for Commonwealth veterans who want to stay in the UK are set to be scrapped under plans announced today.
Home Secretary Priti Patel and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace yesterday met soldiers in London who will gain from the shake-up.
It costs £2,389 per person for indefinite leave to remain for those who have served more than four years or are discharged for medical reasons.
It means soldiers with families can face a bill of around £10,000.
Former defence minister Johnny
Mercer claimed last year the MoD and Home Office disagreed on who should cover the bill for visas and called for the Treasury to step in.
Ms Patel and Mr Wallace will launch a consultation today.
A government spokesman said: “The Home Secretary and Defence Secretary visited Wellington Barracks to meet soldiers who will benefit from changes to the immigration rules. More details will be set out later today.”