In addition, foreign nationals have to pay visa application fees and the immigration health surcharge (IHS). The IHS is paid by migrants “to gain access to the UK’s National Health Service” – even though migrants use the NHS less frequently than local residents. Despite the long waiting lists, there isn’t an option to opt out and divert IHS fees to private care instead. If you need to extend it or switch employer within the visa period, you have to pay the fee again, even though the visa process is administratively simple and is finalised online. Developing societies are likely to appreciate any contributions we are able to make much more than the UK does.
