Right now, tens of thousands of people who've been living and working in our communities for many years risk being forced into debt from eye-watering high visa fees and charges.
The last Government hiked visa fees and charges well above the rate of inflation, leaving a family of four to face a bill of almost £12,000 every few years. The cost to access healthcare rose by 66% in February 2024, to £1,035 per year. People usually have to pay for several years in a row upfront at the time fo their application, resulting in a bill of thousands.
Even before this increase, we saw people every day who have been forced into terrible hardship and debt by visa fees. Desperate parents juggling multiple jobs who still don't have enough to feed or clothe their children because they need to save for their visa renewal. Many people simply can't afford to pay and so become undocumented, at severe risk of homelessness and exploitation.
We have some of the highest visa fees in the world with the Home Office charging well in excess of the actual processing cost of most types of visas.
No one should be forced into debt in order to have a life of security and safety. No one should have to choose between maintaining their immigration status and feeding their children.
June's story
June and her children were abandoned by her husband who had become violent. Her spousal visa was only extended for one year after that. Her lawyer said "After that she could not pay Home Office fees and legal fees to renew their leave to remain. She had very young children to look after, was unable to work, and depended on friends for accommodation and food."