Hongkongers seeking UK citizenship decry fee hikes, fearing more set to come

Hongkongers moving to Britain via a bespoke immigration pathway have expressed concerns more fee hikes will be imposed by authorities in relation to the visa scheme following increases in associated charges.

The country’s Home Office last week proposed to increase four immigration fees, including the newly implemented Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application fee from £10 (US$12.42) to £16, a 60 per cent increase.

The cost of applying for naturalisation as a British citizen would also increase from £1,500 to £1,605.

Authorities claimed the adjustments were intended to reduce the immigration and border system’s reliance on public funds, and were expected to bring in about £270 million. The request for the increases is likely to pass under the Labour-controlled Parliament.

Currently, new applicants for the British National (Overseas) visa scheme must pay a fee ranging from £180 to £250, as well as an annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per adult.

After residing in the United Kingdom for five years and meeting certain residency requirements, one can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which costs £2,885.