Key Points
- Proposed Fee Increases:
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): The fee is proposed to increase from £10 to £16.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Fee proposed to rise from £239 to £525.
- Naturalization as a British Citizen: The fee is proposed to increase from £1,500 to £1,605.
- Naturalization as a British Overseas Territories Citizen: Fee proposed to rise from £1,000 to £1,070.
- Temporary ETA Exemption: Passengers transiting airside through UK airports without passing through border control are temporarily exempt from ETA requirements.
Overview
On January 16, 2025, the UK government announced proposed increases to various immigration and nationality fees as part of efforts to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for the migration and borders system.
Detailed Proposed Fee Changes:
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): The fee is proposed to increase from £10 to £16.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: The fee for sponsoring workers is proposed to rise from £239 to £525.
- Naturalization as a British Citizen: The application fee is proposed to increase from £1,500 to £1,605.
- Naturalization as a British Overseas Territories Citizen: The fee is proposed to rise from £1,000 to £1,070.
These proposed changes are expected to generate an additional £269 million annually.
Temporary ETA Exemption:
In response to feedback from the aviation industry, the government has introduced a temporary exemption from ETA requirements for passengers transiting airside through UK airports without passing through border control. This exemption primarily affects Heathrow and Manchester airports, the only UK airports currently offering such transit facilities. The exemption will be kept under review.
Legislative Process:
The proposed changes have been laid before Parliament and are subject to approval by both Houses. If approved, the new fees will be implemented through amendments to the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018. A definitive date for introducing the fee increases has not been confirmed.
Looking Ahead
For Employers:
- Budgeting: Review recruitment and workforce planning strategies to account for increased sponsorship costs.
- Policy Updates: Update internal policies to reflect the proposed fee changes and communicate these to relevant stakeholders.
For Travelers:
- Stay Informed: Monitor official government channels for updates on implementing the new fees and any changes to ETA requirements.
- Plan Ahead: Consider the increased costs when planning travel or immigration applications to the UK.
These proposed fee increases reflect the UK’s ongoing efforts to create a more efficient and self-sustaining immigration system. Stakeholders are advised to stay informed and prepare for the potential financial implications of these changes.
Source: UK.gov
