Attention Naija folks in the UK and beyond! 🌍✈️ Another round of changes to the UK immigration system has just been announced, and it’s worth taking note—especially if you’re planning to apply for visas, naturalisation, or other services soon. Here’s the gist of what was presented to Parliament on January 16th:
Key Changes to Fees
The UK government is revising the costs for a variety of nationality and immigration-related services. Here’s what’s changing:
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Fee increasing to £16
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Fee rising to £525
- Naturalisation as a British Citizen: Now £1,605
- Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen: Up to £1,070
These adjustments are expected to rake in an extra £269 million annually, funding a more streamlined immigration system.
What Are ETAs?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is part of the government’s broader plan to digitise and speed up immigration processes. Think of it like the systems used in the US and Australia—it’s faster, more secure, and designed to keep the UK’s borders safe.
For Nigerians who travel frequently, here’s a heads-up: ETAs will apply to those entering the UK, but a temporary exemption has been granted for airside transit passengers (those not passing through border control). For now, this affects Heathrow and Manchester airports.
When Will This Take Effect?
The new fees won’t kick in immediately. The legislation is still being discussed in Parliament and must be approved by both Houses. Once the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018 is updated, the changes will become official.
Why It Matters to Nigerians in the UK
These fee increases could impact Nigerians planning to naturalise, sponsor loved ones, or simply transit through the UK. It’s a reminder to stay informed and plan ahead, especially with rising costs on the horizon.
Stay tuned for updates on how these changes will roll out—and remember, being proactive is key when navigating UK immigration! 🚀
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