UK Waives Fees for Bereaved Partners, Introduces Diplomatic Visas

Written by

Aditya Raj

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Dec 01,2024

UK Waives Fees for Bereaved Partners, Introduces Diplomatic Visas- TerraTern

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Key Highlights

In a big win for those affected by personal loss, the UK government has announced the scrapping of settlement fees for bereaved partners of British citizens and new diplomatic visas. This is part of the country’s efforts to ease the immigration burden on foreign nationals during times of emotional and financial hardship and to simplify the visa process for diplomatic visitors. The UK government has made changes to two areas of immigration policy: support for bereaved foreign partners and the diplomatic visa system. This is good news for those who are facing financial difficulties after losing a partner and for diplomats and VIPs.

Settlement Fees Waived for Bereaved Partners

One of the changes is the waiver of the settlement application fee for foreign nationals who lose their British citizen partner and are in financial hardship. Previously, individuals had to pay a large fee of £2,885 to settle in the UK after the death of their partner, regardless of their financial situation.

From October 9, the new fee waiver will be available to those who meet the criteria for destitution. The Home Office says the decision is to ease the financial burden on individuals already bereaved. Minister Seema Malhotra says this is a compassionate and fair approach, especially for those whose financial situation has been worsened by the death of their partner. Eligible applicants are partners of British citizens, individuals with indefinite leave to remain, partners of EU and associated country citizens and partners of military veterans and other specified groups. It’s a wide and inclusive approach.

Who is Eligible for a Fee Waiver?

The criteria for the fee waiver are around financial hardship. Applicants will need to show they are destitute after the death of their partner. This means they will need to show the financial situation has got much worse since the death and the deceased partner was the main breadwinner. It will be a big relief to those who were forced to pay high fees at a very difficult time in their lives.

New Diplomatic Visa

Alongside the settlement fee waiver, the UK has also made changes to the diplomatic visa system. The current Diplomatic Visa Waivers (DVW) will be replaced by a new Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA). This will simplify the process and reduce bureaucracy. Under the new DVA, diplomatic passport holders will no longer need to give fingerprints or pay application fees.

Also Read: Your Comprehensive Guide to UK Startup Visas

Introduction of VIP Delegate Visas

Another aspect of the visa reform is the introduction of VIP Delegate Visas. These are for delegations accompanying foreign Heads of State and government ministers on official visits to the UK. This new visa category has a cap on the number of visas issued: 20 for heads of state and 10 for ministers.

What do the Changes Mean?

The introduction of the DVA and VIP Delegate Visas is a move to modernise the diplomatic visa process. It will make it easier for foreign dignitaries and their entourages to enter the UK. It also shows the UK is a key destination for high-level international engagements and diplomatic activity.

Diplomatic Outreach and Flexibility

The visa changes also show that the UK is flexible in meeting diplomatic needs. By removing some administrative requirements like biometric data submission, the government is showing it’s willing to make the process easier for foreign dignitaries. This will help diplomatic cooperation between the UK and other countries, especially in times of increased global interaction.

Read More: September 2024 Visa Bulletin: Key Updates & Retrogressions

Conclusion

The UK’s changes to settlement fees and diplomatic visas are a step towards a more compassionate and efficient immigration system. By waiving the settlement fee for bereaved partners, the government recognises the financial hardship that comes with personal loss and simplifies the diplomatic visa process for international diplomacy. Together, these changes show the UK’s overall commitment to balancing immigration control with humanitarian concerns and international cooperation. To learn more about UK immigration policies and find easier ways to move to the UK, you must contact TerraTern right away!

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Aditya Raj

Content Marketing Specialist

I'm a graduate of journalism & mass communication with a passion for media and storytelling. With more than 5 years of ecperience in the immigration inustry, I have developed a strong understanding of the complexities and challenges of immigration policies and procedures.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the bereavement settlement fee waiver?

Foreign nationals are eligible for the fee waiver if their British citizen partner has passed away and they are financially destitute. This includes not only partners of British citizens but also individuals with indefinite leave to remain and partners from certain EU countries, military veterans, and other specified groups. Applicants must demonstrate that their financial situation has worsened significantly due to the loss of their partner, who was the primary breadwinner.

When does the settlement fee waiver come into effect?

The settlement fee waiver for bereaved partners comes into effect on October 9, 2024. From this date, eligible applicants facing financial hardship will no longer be required to pay the £2,885 settlement fee.

What changes to the diplomatic visa process?

The Diplomatic Visa Waiver (DVW) will be replaced by the Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA). This new arrangement simplifies the visa application process for diplomatic passport holders by eliminating the need for biometric data submission and application fees. The new process is designed to reduce bureaucracy and expedite entry for diplomats.

What is the VIP Delegate Visa for?

The VIP Delegate Visa is a special visa category introduced for delegations accompanying foreign Heads of State and government ministers on official visits to the UK. This visa has a cap: 20 visas for delegations with Heads of State and 10 for those accompanying government ministers. It aims to streamline the visa process for these high-level official visits.

What’s in it for foreign dignitaries?

Foreign dignitaries will benefit from a simplified visa process, as the Diplomatic Visa Arrangement removes some administrative hurdles, such as biometric data submission and application fees. This will make the process of entering the UK smoother and faster, facilitating international diplomatic engagements.