Migrant 'health surcharge' to raise £200 million a year

[Terpe]

From: Home Office, James Brokenshire MP and UK Visas and Immigration
First published:19 March 2015
Part of:Borders and immigration



The government is set to recoup up to £1.7 billion over the next ten years to help pay for the cost of NHS treatment given to temporary migrants.



Source (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/migrant-health-surcharge-to-raise-200-million-a-year)

[Terpe]

Immigration health surcharge: information for migrants

From: Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration
First published:19 March 2015

This document contains information about the immigration health surcharge, which will be introduced on 6 April.

The health surcharge means that temporary, non-EEA migrants coming to the UK for more than six months will contribute to the NHS.

The health surcharge will be set at £200 a year for temporary migrants and £150 a year for students.



IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/414584/Surcharge_customer_info_web_v1_2.pdf)

[Arthur Little]

Legislation coming into effect on 6 April means that nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) coming to the UK for longer than six months will be required to pay a ‘health surcharge’ when they make their immigration application. It will also be paid by non-EEA nationals already in the UK who apply to extend their stay.

Immigration and Security Minister, James Brokenshire said:

“The health surcharge will play a vital role in ensuring Britain’s most cherished public service is provided on a basis that is fair to all who use it. For generations, the British public have paid their taxes to help make the NHS what it is today – the surcharge will mean temporary migrants will also pay their way"

“Our health services will still be available to all those who need them, but now people coming from outside the EEA will make a fair contribution to the costs of healthcare incurred by temporary migrants living in the UK"

:yeahthat:'s daylight robbery! Neither fair NOR lawful IMO :nono-1-1: ... considering the vast majority of married non-EEA immigrant partners are working and therefore already paying Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions towards healthcare out of their [often] hard-earned wages.

[Trefor]

£200 a year is a bargain. I agree with the charge.

[Michael Parnham]

£200 a year is a bargain. I agree with the charge.

£16.66 per month, don't mind paying as long as it applies to EU members also, I bet those living in Philippines wish that was all they had to pay for Healthcare! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Dedworth]

Should have been imposed years ago

[grahamw48]

About time too. Totally ridiculous that foreigners can sponge off the taxpayer in this way, as well as receiving billions in 'overseas aid' from us MUGS.:mad:

The sooner we get out of the EU and relieve ourselves of those parasites the better also.

[Arthur Little]

:confused: ... WHY are so many of our prominent members in favour of this surcharge?

[Trefor]

:confused: ... WHY are so many of our prominent members in favour of this surcharge?

Because it makes sense. While there may be a minority of people such as our partners who are affected for a few years until they get residency, the vast majority of health tourists need clamping down on. This is a small step. Personally I think all healthcare should only be given upon showing our national ID card... (mind you, I was in favour of the Poll Tax too).

[Dedworth]

:confused: ... WHY are so many of our prominent members in favour of this surcharge?

I object to waiting times being extended and my taxes paying for treatment to scheming, freeloading grubs. We have enough of our own sick and elderly who should get priority

[andy222]

£16.66 per month, don't mind paying as long as it applies to EU members also, I bet those living in Philippines wish that was all they had to pay for Healthcare! :xxgrinning--00xx3:
I agree on the part that it should apply across the board. People from the EU are also immigrants in my book.

[Arthur Little]

Whilst :iagree: in principle with most of the reasons expressed, nobody yet appears to've endorsed the point I've been trying to get across in #3, i.e., how on earth can the Government justify extracting this supplement from those immigrants who've married a British national, gained employment here and already pay tax & *NI Contributions (the *latter supposedly intended to cover them for free - yes FREE - healthcare [at source] ... as it does us!)?

Surely, then, on that basis alone, the implementation of the new legislation cannot be right ... :anerikke: ... or, indeed, legal. :NoNo:

[cheekee]

I'm really not happy about it.

But that's only because its an added expense on top of everything I have to find to pay for this spouse visa.

I can understand the reasons behind it though.

[Doc Alan]

I don’t make value judgements on the Forum, but the facts are these :-


• £ 200 / year is less than a tenth of the average cost of health care per capita in the UK. Total UK NHS expenditure was over £ 140 billion ( 2012 ), with spending on each person nearly £ 2,400.


• Health of non-UK born individuals living in the UK can , for various reasons, be less good than the rest of the population - actual cost of treatment may exceed the per capita average.


• For example, it costs about £ 5,000 to treat each case of TB in the UK - much more if it's multidrug resistant. Pre-screening in the Philippines and other countries ONLY detects active TB - latent TB ( no symptoms ) may still develop into active TB years later.


• It’s enlightened self-interest to aim for universal health coverage and a good public health service. TB and ebola are examples of how a risk to one person, community, or nation, becomes a risk to other people, communities and nations.


• Treating and maintaining health of all migrants can’t be paid entirely by UK taxpayers.

[stevewool]

Told you all this would happen sooner rather than later. Now when did I say I was going to win the Lotto? :Erm::Erm::Erm:

[grahamw48]

Yet again introduced because of non-Filipinos abusing our welfare system.:mad:

All 'immigrants' from outside the EU tarred with the same brush. :NoNo:

[marksroomspain]

Whilst :iagree: in principle with most of the reasons expressed, nobody yet appears to've endorsed the point I've been trying to get across in #3, i.e., how on earth can the Government justify extracting this supplement from those immigrants who've married a British national, gained employment here and already pay tax & *NI Contributions (the *latter supposedly intended to cover them for FREE healthcare [at source] as it does us!)?

Surely, then, on that basis alone, the implementation of the new legislation cannot be right ... :anerikke: ... or, indeed, legal. :NoNo:

Arthur I totally agree with you and I'm going to blow my mind over this.

It's a total disgrace that spouses of British Citizens are made to pay this especially as they are en route to permanent residency and obviously British Citizenship and, as you said, paying tax & NI as my wife does.

Regards to others agreeing, but this is another thorn in the side and financial burden to those who have to cope with the insurgant money grabbing b******s we call this government.

Let's say I refuse to pay this, would my girl be thrown out? No I believe not - under Article 8 of ECH she would not - but, as a soft-hearted BRITISH CITIZEN, to support the dregs of society and the crap that is infesting this once good country of ours, I will pay this surcharge.......:cwm23:

Mmm....... Maybe I should of put my lady on the back of a lorry in Calais.....:furious3::cwm23::xxaction-smiley-047

Arthur, my friend, a well deserved rep, tried to but have to spread them around, owe you one....:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[songz777]

For me? Well, I don't mind this charge, and I guess it's fair until my wife has ILR or citizenship. But as has been pointed out, I wish it was across the board for Europeans as well.

£200 per year isn't a lot for the service you get and we already pay for dental treatment - even on the NHS.

[bigmarco]

Had to take the wife to the doctor's yesterday. EE Woman at the counter clearly had the appointment booked for her as she couldn't speak a word of English and couldn't even tell the receptionist her date of birth. She then asks for a translator which the receptionist declines as her appointment is to close. In the end the receptionist says she will not be seen by a doctor unless she can find someone to translate either by phone or in person. :cwm23: EE male walks in and receptionist asks him to fill in a form for foreigners that my wife had also been asked to complete. He starts to abuse the receptionist and must confess I came close to getting involved but the wife was there so thought better of it.

Decided to take the wife to A&E at St Georges last night and the same thing. Half the punters couldn't speak English. EE young bloke kicking off and a Doctor and nurse trying to pacify him instead of just telling him to :censored: off.

I must confess I regularly get feelings of rage whenever I visit NHS establishments and it's nearly always caused by :piss2: taking foreigners.
This is pure tokenism. £200 million a year is a drop in the ocean. Eastern Europeans are probably claiming that fortnightly in benefits.

On a personal level my wife has paid tax and national insurance since arriving here and as she is married to a British Citizen I'm not sure it's entirely fair that she should pay this. However something has to be done. My honest belief it that there is far more money to be saved in not letting the scroungers come in the first place. But that's not going to happen regardless of who wins the General Election. :cwm23:

[Dedworth]

Had to take the wife to the doctor's yesterday. EE Woman at the counter clearly had the appointment booked for her as she couldn't speak a word of English and couldn't even tell the receptionist her date of birth. She then asks for a translator which the receptionist declines as her appointment is to close. In the end the receptionist says she will not be seen by a doctor unless she can find someone to translate either by phone or in person. :cwm23: EE male walks in and receptionist asks him to fill in a form for foreigners that my wife had also been asked to complete. He starts to abuse the receptionist and must confess I came close to getting involved but the wife was there so thought better of it.

Decided to take the wife to A&E at St Georges last night and the same thing. Half the punters couldn't speak English. EE young bloke kicking off and a Doctor and nurse trying to pacify him instead of just telling him to :censored: off.

I must confess I regularly get feelings of rage whenever I visit NHS establishments and it's nearly always caused by :piss2: taking foreigners.
This is pure tokenism. £200 million a year is a drop in the ocean. Eastern Europeans are probably claiming that fortnightly in benefits.

On a personal level my wife has paid tax and national insurance since arriving here and as she is married to a British Citizen I'm not sure it's entirely fair that she should pay this. However something has to be done. My honest belief it that there is far more money to be saved in not letting the scroungers come in the first place. But that's not going to happen regardless of who wins the General Election. :cwm23:

A complete disgrace Marco - the Hospital should have got the Police in

[Michael Parnham]

Because it makes sense. While there may be a minority of people such as our partners who are affected for a few years until they get residency, the vast majority of health tourists need clamping down on. This is a small step. Personally I think all healthcare should only be given upon showing our national ID card... (mind you, I was in favour of the Poll Tax too).

Yes, I was in favour of Poll Tax also! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Yes, I was in favour of Poll Tax also! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Personally I was dead against it. Very unfair taxation in my view.

[Michael Parnham]

Personally I was dead against it. Very unfair taxation in my view.

Sorry Fred, but I saw it as a way to deter people from having kids to claim benefits, just my opinion! :wink:

[Iani]

Oh great, so this applies to my wife, who is working silly hours and pays loads of tax, so we can pay fat bingo-winged Jeremy Kyle wannabees to have their smoking/obesity treated or tasteless tattoos removed on the NHS.

Besides everyone knows EXACTLY who are really taking the piss, it's them who need cracking down on

[Arthur Little]

Arthur, my friend, a well deserved rep, tried to but have to spread them around. Owe you one....:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thank you, so much Mark for being one of the [very] few :bigcry: to back me up on this issue. Although I'm not affected personally, I genuinely feel for those who will be after next month.

Thanks, too for trying to give me rep for my efforts. Perhaps one of the few others who share my views, might oblige :biggrin: ... if I'm lucky!

Hmm ... :yeahthat:'s probably just wishful thinking :icon_rolleyes: on my part. Anyway, it's the thought that counts. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[cheekee]

Thank you, so much Mark for being one of the [very] few :bigcry: to back me up on this issue. Although I'm not affected personally, I genuinely feel for those who will be after next month.

Thanks, too for trying to give me rep for my efforts. Perhaps one of the few others who share my views, might oblige :biggrin: ... if I'm lucky!

Hmm ... :yeahthat:'s probably just wishful thinking :icon_rolleyes: on my part. Anyway, it's the thought that counts. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur I'm also on your side on this one.

My wife will be working here and will pay her contributions
I have worked hard all my life and contributed.

Why should I be penalised because the government has been so idiotic as to allow the situation to have gotten to this?

This possibly wouldn't have happened if things had been more strict for illegal immigrants and health tourists in the past.

I feel like I will be paying for the government's mistakes.

[raynaputi]

The UK government can only impose immigration rules to non EEA countries coz they can't do anything about those from the EU. We are just a bunch of easy targets in their eyes. I feel sorry for all those partners of the members here who will apply for visas. Most often than not, they will end up working their butts off without having any recourse to public fund for 5 years, pay taxes, contribute to NI and now even pay for NHS. Take note, that's in addition to all the visa costs. :NoNo: I do wish that is the same case for those from the EU coz that's just the fair thing to do. But it will never happen. :thumbsdown:

[Arthur Little]

Arthur I'm also on your side on this one.

My wife will be working here and will pay her contributions
I have worked hard all my life and contributed.

Why should I be penalised because the government has been so idiotic as to allow the situation to have gotten to this?

This possibly wouldn't have happened if things had been more strict for illegal immigrants and health tourists in the past.

I feel like I will be paying for the government's mistakes.

:smile: Thanks to you also, Phil ... for your support ... it's the way the Government intends to collect the extra cash (by lumping it onto already outrageously hefty visa fees) - rather than the amount itself - that bugs me :cwm23: ... and, of course, the ... :anerikke: ... 'I'm alright Jack' attitude of those in favour of the added payment as they're not going to be affected by it because their marital partners already have their Permanent Residence.

[Arthur Little]

Thank the Lord for people of the calibre of Terpe and Joe Bloggs ... we owe these two men a TREMENDOUS debt of gratitude for their sterling work on members' behalf! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

Let's try to keep this thread to the forefront as much as possible. Yes, I'm aware it's been made a 'sticky' ... but even stickies are apt to disappear off the radar as time passes, :icon_rolleyes: and it is essential that members are kept constantly informed of such important changes. :biggrin:

[grahamw48]

The UK government can only impose immigration rules to non EEA countries coz they can't do anything about those from the EU. We are just a bunch of easy targets in their eyes. I feel sorry for all those partners of the members here who will apply for visas. Most often than not, they will end up working their butts off without having any recourse to public fund for 5 years, pay taxes, contribute to NI and now even pay for NHS. Take note, that's in addition to all the visa costs. :NoNo: I do wish that is the same case for those from the EU coz that's just the fair thing to do. But it will never happen. :thumbsdown:



Spot-on Rayna. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Easy to lean on someone who's arm you already have up their back. :NoNo:

We can also thank the (non-Filipino) vast majority of previous fraudsters and parasites for the ever-increasing load put upon Fiancee and Spouse visa applicants. :mad:

[andy222]

Besides the health issue, if the Tories get in again they will make it a damn sight harder to bring partners here.

[Rory]

On a personal level my wife has paid tax and national insurance since arriving here and as she is married to a British Citizen I'm not sure it's entirely fair that she should pay this. However something has to be done. My honest belief it that there is far more money to be saved in not letting the scroungers come in the first place. But that's not going to happen regardless of who wins the General Election. :cwm23:

I totally agree here. I received a letter last week from the NHS asking if my wife is still in the UK, i will be applying for FLR in June so i can see myself paying now and then paying again in June. To say the least, this is a pain in the :action-smiley-081:
I see most people think that this should apply to all Non British Citizens and why is it not? My wife has paid in to the system for the last two and a half years and not taken a penny out while EE members claim straight away for free.
If my wife had her UK passport i would be applauding this decision so i really have no legs to stand on in my defence.
On a slightly different note, i have already printed off the FLR form and we have started to fill it in. I am guessing there might be a latest version of the form just before i submit . :doh

[cheekee]

I checked on the visa webpage and the surcharge will be £600 not £500 as we originally thought.

[Moving Forward]

I've just used their calculator and the surcharge comes to £500 for us. So my wifes FLR(M) application in October will come to £1149, not the £649 I had budgeted for. They also require payment of the surcharge before the FLR application is made.

[cheekee]

Hoping I got it wrong and its £500 like you say.

Not good though when you have to work hard for a living.

[Moving Forward]

It's not good at all.

I don't like how fast and frequent these rule changes have become. If it wasn't for this site I would not be kept up to date with things.

I am now thinking we are going to be asked for another £200 to cover the period between now and when my wife applies in October! So this year, we could be paying £1349 in fees.

[stevewool]

WE,RE DOOMED, so the saying goes

[Rory]

It's not good at all.

I don't like how fast and frequent these rule changes have become. If it wasn't for this site I would not be kept up to date with things.

I am now thinking we are going to be asked for another £200 to cover the period between now and when my wife applies in October! So this year, we could be paying £1349 in fees.

I was thinking the same, from April - June i will be getting another bill. Then £500 or £600 in June that we not accounted for. :Brick:

33 months initial visa, we apply for FLR just before 30 months is up, which is early June but the 33 month visa will expire in September. So we pay from April - September as that is the last few months of the wife's visa but i need to pay for another 30 months NSH insurance from June before we send off the FLR. Looks like we will be double paying for 3 months while non speaking EE members keep taking the michael.

[grahamw48]

It is disgraceful, discriminating against the partners of British citizens in this way, while other EU citizens can do what the hell they like...free of charge.

...And people wonder why I will be voting (as I have in the past) to leave the EU. :NoNo:

[stevewool]

I am so glad i am not going through any of this anymore, its so wrong but what can you do about it, VOTE thats what

[Dedworth]

The Tories have let the country down by not getting to grips with NHS health tourism and I read today that the NHS has been dishing out multi vits, calpol, fruit juice , sun cream etc on foc script to any parasite who asks the doctor for it. The business that Farage has brought up about us being aids treatment HQ for Africa is an absolute disgrace

[stevewool]

A lot what he brought up about the money that is going abroad is a disgrace, its time we looked after ourselves first, the countries that we have been giving to for year after year never changes so where is all this money going too, i have a good idea

[grahamw48]

The country is run by a bunch of naive fools, expert at handing out keys to our provisions cupboard to anyone in this world with a hard-luck story or with their hand out. Of course taxpayers who actually live and work here are last on the list at best, or threatened with jail if complaining too vociferously. :mad:

[Dedworth]

From the Mail :-



Farage’s view on HIV immigrants is ‘stomach turning’ says Nicky Morgan

Daily Mail9 Apr 2015By John Stevens Political Reporter

EDUCATION Secretary Nicky Morgan has described Nigel Farage’s comments on immigrants receiving free HIV treatment as ‘stomach turning’ – despite half of the public agreeing with the Ukip leader.

The Tory frontbencher also signalled she would quit the Cabinet if David Cameron entered a power-sharing deal with Mr Farage.

Mr Cameron has urged Ukip supporters to ‘come home’ to the Conservatives, but has stopped short of ruling out having to rely on the party if he falls short of a majority.

Mr Farage sparked controversy last week when he used the televised leaders’ debate to challenge giving expensive drugs to HIV sufferers not born in Britain. Mrs Morgan yesterday condemned the remarks, which it is claimed were planned in advance as part of a ‘shock and awe’ strategy. She said: ‘To say that in a calculated way to appeal to your core vote is pretty stomach-turning.’

However, a poll found half of voters agree with Ukip that immigrants should not immediately receive free HIV treatment.

Last night Mr Farage said: ‘I’d love her to go and explain to all the women in their eighties that cannot get cancer treatment that the reason we cannot afford it is that we’re treating people from all over the world who have never even been to Britain before. They get an airplane into Heathrow, get an HIV test and qualify for £25,000 of drugs.

‘If she wants to go out and explain that to the British public, I suspect the public would find her comments stomach-churning.’ :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

According to Public Health England, there were 6,000 diagnoses of HIV in the UK in 2013. Where the country of origin is known, 54 per cent of new diagnoses were foreign-born patients.

[cheekee]

I received a letter from my Union Unison.

This is part of it:

"Although the parties are yet to set out their plans in detail, the Conservatives have already indicated that if they win the general election we can expect to see:

* Up to one million more job losses across public services - jobs like yours
* a continued squeeze on your pay, when people are already an average of £1,600 a year worse off since the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed the coalition.
*Further drastic cuts to the NHS and other public services that you and your family members rely on - and that you help provide in your job in health.


Interesting.

[cheekee]

The Tories have let the country down by not getting to grips with NHS health tourism and I read today that the NHS has been dishing out multi vits, calpol, fruit juice , sun cream etc on foc script to any parasite who asks the doctor for it. The business that Farage has brought up about us being aids treatment HQ for Africa is an absolute disgrace

This was a DR's reply to the daily mail.

Dear Daily Mail. I see that you're having a go at the NHS for prescribing toothpaste, suncream, and calpol today. I see that you have done your usual f*** all research into this. I prescribe toothpaste (duraphat fluoride) to people who have had radiotherapy for their head and neck cancer, for whom the normal stuff doesn't work. I prescribe suncream for people who have skin cancer or pre-cancerous skin. And I prescribe paracetamol solution for children with high temperatures to stop them having a f***** fit. And I expect all of this prescribing costs the NHS a lot less that the ....... extra pointless work generated for it by Lifescan and other 'health screening' companies. You know, the ones that advertise in the Daily Mail pages 30-65 every f******* day...

[Michael Parnham]

I received a letter from my Union Unison.

This is part of it:

"Although the parties are yet to set out their plans in detail, the Conservatives have already indicated that if they win the general election we can expect to see:

* Up to one million more job losses across public services - jobs like yours
* a continued squeeze on your pay, when people are already an average of £1,600 a year worse off since the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed the coalition.
*Further drastic cuts to the NHS and other public services that you and your family members rely on - and that you help provide in your job in health.


Interesting.

Blooming Unions!:NoNo:

[Dedworth]

This was a DR's reply to the daily mail.

Dear Daily Mail. I see that you're having a go at the NHS for prescribing toothpaste, suncream, and calpol today. I see that you have done your usual f*** all research into this. I prescribe toothpaste (duraphat fluoride) to people who have had radiotherapy for their head and neck cancer, for whom the normal stuff doesn't work. I prescribe suncream for people who have skin cancer or pre-cancerous skin. And I prescribe paracetamol solution for children with high temperatures to stop them having a f***** fit. And I expect all of this prescribing costs the NHS a lot less that the ....... extra pointless work generated for it by Lifescan and other 'health screening' companies. You know, the ones that advertise in the Daily Mail pages 30-65 every f******* day...

The good Doctor hasn't enlightened us as to what deserving cases get the fruit juice, multi vits, Yakult yogurt and so forth. I'm partial to black cherry Muller Fruit Corners I'll have a word next time I'm at the surgery

[cheekee]

The good Doctor hasn't enlightened us as to what deserving cases get the fruit juice, multi vits, Yakult yogurt and so forth. I'm partial to black cherry Muller Fruit Corners I'll have a word next time I'm at the surgery

:icon_lol:

[cheekee]

Blooming Unions!:NoNo:

Micheal what is you're view about what unison have said?

[grahamw48]

As long as it's still pretty young nurses giving those bed baths when I'm admitted...I don't mind. :olddude:

[Michael Parnham]

My view is that Unions should not try to influence workers on which way to vote, my opinion is that the NHS is Britains baby and whatever party wins the election is not going to see NHS workers (who do a dam good job ) or the NHS suffer financially. Always remember Unions are in business to make money for themselves and a good Union leader should be a good negotiater and not bring workers out on strike, look what Scargill did for the miners, closed the pits and now he's the most hated man in Barnsley area!

[timi]

We applied april 1 for fiancée settelement hope doesn't apply to us Guidance

HEALTH SURCHARGE

[B]The surcharge will be introduced on 6 April 2015. It will apply to applications where payment is made on or after the 6 April. The health surcharge will be set at £200 a []year for temporary migrants and £150 a year for students.
seems health registration website is as good as Defra's website (non functional)
we cant log in at all.
thanks everyone who helped in our application, interview for Stef on Monday .
has anyone else had log in problems?

[Terpe]

Hi timi,
Good news and bad news.

The good news is that the health surcharge does not apply for Fiance(e) applications as the Fiance(e) visa is only 6 months max.

The bad news is that they'll get you after you get married and make the application for the FLR(M)
Which is a visa longer than 6 months. In you case it'll be 30 months

In fact it will apply to anyone making an application for Further Leave to Remain regardless of when they first entered UK
It will apply right up until application for ILR

[Rhose]

This is ridiculous and unbelievable... They should also put the exemption to those who's paying national insurance and tax

[Michael Parnham]

This is ridiculous and unbelievable... They should also put the exemption to those who's paying national insurance and tax

I'll second that!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

Exemptions to Brits with a foreign spouse and those people actually working in the NHS regardless of the country they originate from. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

A lot of these foreigners hardly pay any rent because they multi-share properties. Get them to foot the bill. A tenner a week should suffice for now. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

As long as it's still pretty young nurses giving those bed baths when I'm admitted...I don't mind. :olddude::icon_lol: :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

The country is run by a bunch of naive fools, expert at handing out keys to our provisions cupboard to anyone in this world with a hard-luck story or with their hand out. These arrogant tools are not streetwise enough. Too busy being Yes Men; sucking up to Brussels and playing Mother Teresa to realise Abdullah & Co are laughing at how stupid Britain is. :mad:

[stevewool]

Dont think its going to stop at this, there will be more coming your way TAXES taxes and more TAXES

[Arthur Little]

Dont think its going to stop at this, there will be more coming your way TAXES taxes and more TAXES

:yeahthat:'s true ... more taxes :REGamblMoney01HL1: ... and les(s) taxis! :transam-front-ramai

[cheekee]

Exemptions to Brits with a foreign spouse and those people actually working in the NHS regardless of the country they originate from. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

A lot of these foreigners hardly pay any rent because they multi-share properties. Get them to foot the bill. A tenner a week should suffice for now. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

As a NHS worker I second that :)

[andy222]

Me too.:biggrin:

[mendoza82]

UNFAIR!!!!!i agree with you miss rayna,I don't mind doing overtime just to save extra £ for this surcharge but I hope people from EU should pay as well!!

[grahamw48]

British citizens can get free medical treatment in the EU, but not in the Philippines...and most other non-EU countries. :smile:

[Arthur Little]

British citizens can get free medical treatment in the EU, but not in the Philippines...and most other non-EU countries. :smile:

:gp:, Graham ... the European Health Insurance Card ... :anerikke: ... suppose there's that to consider! :cwm25:

[cheekee]

UNFAIR!!!!!i agree with you miss rayna,I don't mind doing overtime just to save extra £ for this surcharge but I hope people from EU should pay as well!!

Agreed

[timi]

my fiancée just applied at vfs , even though our application was april 1 they demanded her registration number for health service surcharge
tried to get that number all weekend but the health service website failed to recognise password, and the password reset continually malfunctioned
eventually I gave her new username and used my email got her registered after they took 900$ about £ 600 from my visa card.
on the website I think they have problems as if login problems tay advise password reset which seems to fail continually
Hope this info helps others, and thanks to all who helped Stef and I

[andy222]

What if those on visas do not use the health service while under immigration status. Will they get their money back?

[SimonH]

What if those on visas do not use the health service while under immigration status. Will they get their money back?


I haven't claimed on my household, car or travel insurance. Guess what my refund was :Erm:

[cheekee]

What if those on visas do not use the health service while under immigration status. Will they get their money back?

The money will just end up in corrupt mp's pockets.

[grahamw48]

Next...a 'drunken idiot clogging up A & E' surcharge please. :mad:

[cheekee]

Next...a 'drunken idiot clogging up A & E' surcharge please. :mad:

I like that a lot.

My A+E would do well.

[Terpe]

my fiancée just applied at vfs , even though our application was april 1 they demanded her registration number for health service surcharge
tried to get that number all weekend but the health service website failed to recognise password, and the password reset continually malfunctioned
eventually I gave her new username and used my email got her registered after they took 900$ about £ 600 from my visa card.
on the website I think they have problems as if login problems tay advise password reset which seems to fail continually
Hope this info helps others, and thanks to all who helped Stef and I

Something's not right there timi.
1. The surcharge is only applicable for applications submitted and paid for after April 6 2015
2. Besides which, any applications for visa's of 6 months and less are not subject to the surcharge.

I believe VFS are totally incorrect.

Here's what UKVI state:-


...........
The surcharge will be introduced on 6 April 2015. It will apply to applications where payment is made on or after the 6 April.............

The health surcharge will be paid by non-EEA nationals who apply to come to the UK to work, study or join family for a time-limited period of more than 6 months......

[Michael Parnham]

I like that a lot.

My A+E would do well.

I've always said that self inflicted ailments should be paid for by the patient!

[raynaputi]

Something's not right there timi.
1. The surcharge is only applicable for applications submitted and paid for after April 6 2015
2. Besides which, any applications for visa's of 6 months and less are not subject to the surcharge.

I believe VFS are totally incorrect.

Here's what UKVI state:-

Just wondering, what is the right "date of application"? Is it the day they've submitted the application online or the day they submit it with the documents on VFS? :Erm: VFS might be thinking the date of application is the day you submit everything to them and not on the day you submit and paid it online. :cwm25: If that's the case, there'll be problems with that. :NoNo:

[Terpe]

Just wondering, what is the right "date of application"? Is it the day they've submitted the application online or the day they submit it with the documents on VFS? :Erm: VFS might be thinking the date of application is the day you submit everything to them and not on the day you submit and paid it online. :cwm25: If that's the case, there'll be problems with that. :NoNo:

I haven't double checked recently but for online applications the 'date of application' was always stated by UKVI as the date on which payment was made.

Besides, the Fiance(e) visa is limited to 6 months and should not be included

[Anne2014]

Something's not right there timi.
1. The surcharge is only applicable for applications submitted and paid for after April 6 2015
2. Besides which, any applications for visa's of 6 months and less are not subject to the surcharge.

I believe VFS are totally incorrect.

Here's what UKVI state:-


Hello Terpe. I am a bit confused of the Fiancée/Fiancé visa applicants not having to pay for the surcharge. The UKVI did not specifically indicate the case for fiancés/fiancées only the number of months which is 6 months or less.
There is also a surcharge checker for unmarried partners and I kind of assume it's for fiancés..

[Terpe]

Hello Terpe. I am a bit confused of the Fiancée/Fiancé visa applicants not having to pay for the surcharge. The UKVI did not specifically indicate the case for fiancés/fiancées only the number of months which is 6 months or less.
There is also a surcharge checker for unmarried partners and I kind of assume it's for fiancés..

The Unmarried Partner visa is a different visa to the Finace(e) and is issued for 33 months. Just like a spouse visa the holder may take up employment and does not have the restrictions of the Finance(e) such a short period of 6 months with an intention to marry and apply for FLR

Please do double check with UKVI as it seems that timi was requested (incorrectly IMO) under duress from VFS

[Anne2014]

The Unmarried Partner visa is a different visa to the Finace(e) and is issued for 33 months. Just like a spouse visa the holder may take up employment and does not have the restrictions of the Finance(e) such a short period of 6 months with an intention to marry and apply for FLR

Please do double check with UKVI as it seems that timi was requested (incorrectly IMO) under duress from VFS

Thank you for the clarification, Terpe. I sure hope timi will give us an update how the loved one sort this out at VFS. And I hope VFS won't give incorrect info to future fiancé (e) visa applicants..

[Rhose]

Has anyone tried to pay or register in their site? I tried to register. Last time it said they will send confirmation and instructions through my email but for how many days now I haven't received any email.

[Terpe]

I haven't double checked recently but for online applications the 'date of application' was always stated by UKVI as the date on which payment was made.

Besides, the Fiance(e) visa is limited to 6 months and should not be included

If anyone agrees to pay the surcharge for a maximum 6 month time limited visa such as Fiance(e) feel free to do so.
After getting married in the UK the FLR(M) visa application will also require the Health Surcharge.

[Rory]

This surcharge came in on the 6th April 2015, we will be applying for FLR in a few weeks. We pay from the 6th April or from when we apply for the new visa?

If we apply from the exact date being 30 months living in the UK and pay two and a half years "£500" then this is cutting it close to the visa and the surcharge running out before getting the ILR.

I know this is not the best idea but would it not just be easier to pay for 3 years a few weeks before we apply for FLR and that will cover it easily at both ends of the visa if we do not have to pay from the 6th April?

[marksroomspain]

This surcharge came in on the 6th April 2015, we will be applying for FLR in a few weeks. We pay from the 6th April or from when we apply for the new visa?

If we apply from the exact date being 30 months living in the UK and pay two and a half years "£500" then this is cutting it close to the visa and the surcharge running out before getting the ILR.

I know this is not the best idea but would it not just be easier to pay for 3 years a few weeks before we apply for FLR and that will cover it easily at both ends of the visa if we do not have to pay from the 6th April?

Hiya Rory,

The NHS surcharge is not a time line its just applicable from when you next apply for extension of visa so the amount you stated of £500 is correct for your spouse.

Jamie my wife will be sending her application on Monday and that amount is correct so no worries.

If you're worrying about if UKVI might require more of a payment, they will surely let you know, but take this from a guy who has studied this minefield in immigration law they won't, everything will be fine....:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Rory]

Thank you.

So I will start it from the date I apply for FLR or from the date 30 months is up on the first visa?

[Terpe]

Thank you.

So I will start it from the date I apply for FLR or from the date 30 months is up on the first visa?

I'm not sure I understand that Rory.
The Health surcharge needs to be paid before submission of the FLR(M) application form since the payment reference number needs to be included at section 1.11

In terms of actual payment the requirement is to pay half of the required yearly amount for applications that include a part of a year that is less than 6 months.

Likewise, you need to pay for a whole year if you’re application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months.

As you rightly said the correct payment in your case is £500
So although it's paid before application submission it actually covers the whole of the period validity of the leave to remain.

The FLR can be submitted shortly before the 30 month residency requirement , but you should avoid submitting it too early on the basis that you need to run the second FLR for 30 months to be sure of reaching that 60 month ILR residency requirement.
Sorry if I misunderstand your concern.

[marksroomspain]

Thank you.

So I will start it from the date I apply for FLR or from the date 30 months is up on the first visa?

Disregard dates etc. It's a set amount of £500 so no worries, it's based on the next 30 months of FLR, so £500 is your magic figure so eh oh no NHS charge on ILR....:biggrin: