The UK government has announced new rules allowing foreign nationals who have lost a British partner and are experiencing financial hardship to apply for a fee waiver when seeking settlement in the country.
Currently, individuals applying for settlement after the death of a partner must pay a substantial fee of £2,885, regardless of their financial situation.
This change, set to take effect on October 9, 2024, was announced by Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, in Parliament. Malhotra, of Indian origin, emphasized the government’s aim to adopt a “fairer and more compassionate approach” to assist those in need.
“Losing a loved one is an unimaginable pain, often compounded by financial difficulties,” Malhotra stated, as reported by Travelbiz.
The new waiver seeks to alleviate the burden on widows, widowers, and dependent children, enabling them to settle in the UK without the hefty application fee if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for the Fee Waiver
To qualify for the fee waiver, applicants must be on family visas and demonstrate financial destitution. Eligible partners must have been in a relationship or married to someone who is:
A British citizen
A holder of indefinite leave to remain in the UK
A citizen of the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status
Additionally, bereaved partners of Armed Forces members, Gurkhas, or Hong Kong military veterans discharged before July 1997 will also be eligible for the fee waiver.
