The United Kingdom has announced that it is set to increase visa application fees for foreigners, including Nigerians seeking to migrate to the European country to live and work.
UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who announced this during a press conference at Downing Street, added that the Immigration Health Surcharge, a fee paid by foreigners to access the country’s National Health Scheme, would also increase significantly.
Sunak explained that the hike became necessary in order to raise the money to pay public sector workers more without resorting to borrowing, which he said would only fuel inflation.
Instead he explained that a combination of higher fees for foreigners hoping to move to the UK would cover the cost of pay rises.
Meanwhile, a series of strikes by some public sector workers in the UK recently demanding a pay rise, had compelled the prime minister to accept the recommendation of an independent review of pay for teachers, junior doctors, consultants, dentists, police and prison officers.
Others to benefit from the pay rise, according to him, are senior civil servants and military personnel, even as the Prime Minister confirmed that the increase would be between five and seven per cent across board.
Credit: AFP
