The Home Office has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the migration and borders system’s reliance on taxpayer funding. If approved, these changes will result in significant fee increases across various immigration and nationality services.
Key fee increases:
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): rising to £16
- Certificate of sponsorship: increasing to £525
- Naturalisation as a British citizen: rising to £1,605
- Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories citizen: increasing to £1,070
The government anticipates these changes will generate an additional £269 million annually. These funds are intended to support the implementation of a more streamlined, digital immigration system, in line with the government’s broader plan for change. The introduction of ETAs, modelled after systems in countries like the USA and Australia, is positioned as a step towards enhancing security and efficiency for millions of travellers entering the UK each year.
Temporary exemption for airside transit passengers
One notable amendment involves a temporary exemption for passengers transiting airside—those who do not pass through UK border control. This exemption, a result of feedback from the aviation industry, will primarily impact Heathrow and Manchester airports. The exemption is applicable from today (17 January 2025) and will remain under review.
Implications for applicants
While the government frames these changes as necessary for a more efficient and secure system, the significant fee increases will likely place additional financial strain on individuals and businesses navigating the immigration process. For example, the cost of naturalisation—already a substantial expense—will rise further, potentially making it less accessible to many eligible applicants. Similarly, increased certificate of sponsorship fees may impose added costs on employers seeking to recruit international talent.
Legislative timeline
The proposed changes were laid before Parliament on 16 January 2025 and are subject to approval by both houses. If passed, the new fees will be implemented by amending the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018. The timeline for these changes depends on parliamentary scheduling.
We will continue to follow the developments and provide updates as the legislation progresses.
Categories: Immigration News