Key Changes in UK Visa Policy
The UK has announced significant updates to its visa policies, aiming to support bereaved partners and streamline diplomatic visits. From October 9, the UK will waive the settlement application fee for eligible foreign nationals facing financial hardship after the death of their partner. This change reflects a more compassionate approach to those grieving and struggling financially. Additionally, the UK will introduce new diplomatic visas to enhance the efficiency of diplomatic travel.
UK Visa Fee Waiver for Bereaved Partners
Previously, foreign nationals applying for UK settlement after the death of a British partner faced a £2,885 fee, regardless of their financial situation. Starting October 9, this fee will be waived for eligible individuals.
Indian-origin migration and citizenship minister Seema Malhotra announced this change in Parliament, describing it as a step towards a “fairer and more compassionate approach.” She emphasized that losing a loved one is painful and often comes with severe financial strain. This waiver aims to support widows, widowers, and dependent children who have contributed to UK society and face financial difficulties.
Eligible individuals include those on family visas who meet destitution criteria, and whose partners were British citizens, had indefinite leave to remain, or were from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status. Bereaved partners of Armed Forces members, Gurkhas, or Hong Kong military unit veterans discharged before July 1997 may also qualify.
New Diplomatic Visa Procedures
In addition to the fee waiver, the UK is reforming its diplomatic visa process. The current Diplomatic Visa Waivers (DVWs) will be replaced with a new “Diplomatic Visa Arrangement” (DVA).
DVAs will provide a bespoke visitor visa for eligible diplomatic passport holders. Applications will be simplified with a light-touch form, and applicants will not need to pay fees or provide fingerprints. This change aims to facilitate diplomatic travel and support standard visitor activities for diplomatic passport holders.
The UK is also introducing a VIP Delegate Visa. This visa will be available to delegations accompanying foreign Heads of State and government ministers on official visits. The VIP Delegate Visa will be capped at 20 for Heads of State and 10 for government ministers’ delegations. The application process will include a note verbale and will also waive application fees and fingerprint requirements.