Hongkongers seeking UK citizenship decry fee hikes, fearing more set to come
Residents using BN(O) visa scheme face 40 per cent increase in associated fees compared with what authorities charged in 2021
Hongkongers moving to Britain via a bespoke immigration pathway have expressed concerns more fee hikes will be imposed by authorities in relation to the visa scheme following increases in associated charges.
The country’s Home Office last week proposed to increase four immigration fees, including the newly implemented Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application fee from £10 (US$12.42) to £16, a 60 per cent increase.
The cost of applying for naturalisation as a British citizen would also increase from £1,500 to £1,605.
Authorities claimed the adjustments were intended to reduce the immigration and border system’s reliance on public funds, and were expected to bring in about £270 million. The request for the increases is likely to pass under the Labour-controlled Parliament.
After residing in the United Kingdom for five years and meeting certain residency requirements, one can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which costs £2,885.