- Reference: 2023/3544
- Question by: Zack Polanski
- Meeting date: 14 September 2023
In July 2023, this Government announced plans to almost double the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to £1,035 per person, increase work and visit visa fees by 15 per cent, and increase other visas, extensions, settlement and citizenship fees by 20 per cent. These large additional costs could push asylum seekers and refugees, who are already in vulnerable and precarious financial situations, into destitution and lead to more of them becoming homeless. What research have you done into the impact of these increased charges and what assessment has been conducted into the implications for local authorities in London?