Nigerians who are desperate to ‘Japa’ are currently not having the best of times after the government of the United Kingdom announced an increase in the cost of student and tourist visas.
In a statement yesterday evening which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York, the UK’s Home Office said ‘the changes mean that the cost for a visit visa for less than six months is rising by £15 to £115, while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise by £127 to £490, to equal the amount charged for in-country applications.’
The increases, according to the Home Office, were a result of legislation that was introduced by the Parliament on Friday.
It was stated that the increase in fees will allow the government to support essential services and give the public sector more financing priority.
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The statement added that income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system.
The changes come less than six months after the UK announced increments in the cost of visa applications and health surcharges.
The Home Office also noted that careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.
“Today’s changes do not include the planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which are scheduled to be introduced later in the Autumn,” the statement added.
Africa Today News, New York reports that all things being equal, the immigration and nationality fees increases which are subject to parliamentary approval will take effect from October 4.