Immigration charging consultation launched

The consultation looks at how existing services are paid for as well as how they can deliver the Government’s commitment to transform the immigration service, made in its review earlier this year which includes doubling its enforcement capability by 2009/10 with an extra £100m.

It invites views on how immigration and visa fees could contribute to these costs, and whether the existing charging system should be more flexible so that those living and working in the UK pay according to the benefits they receive.

Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:

“The consultation is not about prices, but it is about how immigration services are paid for and the most appropriate way to charge. It asks whether applicants should contribute towards the costs of the whole immigration system from application to enforcement.

“In July the Home Secretary announced how we will strengthen border controls with identity technology and double enforcement in the UK. But all of these measures cost money and we think that it is right to consider who should pay for them.

“This Government is committed to ensuring that only those people with the skills the UK needs come to this country while preventing others from applying.”

Lord David Triesman, FCO Parliamentary Undersecretary, added:

"We want views on new models for setting fees.  I believe it is common ground that we need to enforce rules on access to the UK. This consultation will help us work out what is fairest.”

A number of stakeholder events will be staged throughout the consultation period, which ends on 22 December, to get the views of as many people as possible. 

The new charging system will be implemented in April 2007, helping the transition to the new points based system for managed migration.