The UK government has introduced new regulations offering fee waivers to foreign nationals who have lost a British partner and are struggling financially when applying for settlement.
Currently, the cost for individuals applying for settlement following the death of a partner is £2,885, regardless of their financial situation.
Under the new rules, set to be implemented on October 9, 2024, these applicants will no longer have to pay this substantial fee if they qualify under the updated guidelines.
Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, unveiled the policy in Parliament, stating that the government aims to provide a “fairer and more compassionate” solution to those experiencing both emotional and financial hardship.
“Losing a loved one is unimaginable pain, often made worse by financial strain,” Malhotra said.
The fee waiver will be available to widows, widowers, and dependent children of those who held certain status in the UK, allowing them to settle without the financial burden of the application fee, provided they meet the necessary criteria.
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Eligibility for the Waiver
To qualify, applicants must be on family visas and show evidence of financial hardship. Eligible deceased partners must have been:
A British citizen
A holder of indefinite leave to remain in the UK
A citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status
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Additionally, the bereaved spouses of Armed Forces members, Gurkhas, and Hong Kong military veterans discharged before July 1997 are also entitled to the fee waiver.
