Eligible foreign nationals who have lost a partner and are experiencing financial hardship will soon be able to apply for a waiver of the settlement application fee in the UK, as outlined in new rules presented in Parliament this week.
Currently, individuals seeking to settle in the UK after the death of their British partner must pay a fee of £2,885, regardless of their financial situation following such a loss. Seema Malhotra, the Indian-origin Minister for Migration and Citizenship, announced that this fee will be waived starting October 9, 2024, as part of a “fairer and more compassionate approach” for those facing acute financial vulnerability during their time of grief.
Malhotra emphasized the profound pain of losing a loved one, which is often exacerbated by financial strain. She stated, “Widows, widowers, and their dependent children who have become integral parts of our communities can now apply for a fee waiver if facing destitution, allowing them to settle and maintain the life they have built.” This change will benefit those who have contributed to society, including partners of military veterans.
Eligible applicants include partners on family visas who meet destitution criteria if their deceased partner was a British citizen, had indefinite leave to remain, or was from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status. Additionally, bereaved partners of members of the Armed Forces, Gurkhas, or Hong Kong military unit veterans discharged before July 1, 1997, may also qualify for the fee waiver.
In her statement, Malhotra also introduced a new diplomatic visitor visa process, which will replace the existing Diplomatic Visa Waivers. This new arrangement aims to facilitate smoother access for diplomatic passport holders nominated by their governments, eliminating application fees and the requirement for fingerprinting. The changes include a VIP Delegate Visa for delegations accompanying foreign heads of state and government ministers, further enhancing diplomatic travel to the UK.
