Wednesday 01 May 2013
On 1 February 2012 the Home Department decided to introduce immigration fees for those non-European Economic Area nationals who require permission to remain in the Bailiwick of Guernsey under the provisions of the Immigration laws. Some years ago the United Kingdom introduced a range of charges for a variety of immigration applications. Similar charges have also been introduced in Jersey and the Isle of Man and by implementing the charges in 2012 the Home Department brought the charging regime in the Bailiwick into line with other jurisdictions in the Common Travel Area.
Since the Home Department introduced the fees in February last year, the UK has increased their charges but still considers the fees do not damage the UK's International competitiveness. The Home Department considers it reasonable to increase the fees charged in the Bailiwick in line with those charged in the UK. Jersey and the Isle of Man will also be aligning their fees with those charged in the UK.
Phil Taylor, Assistant Chief Officer, Immigration and Nationality Division of the Guernsey Border Agency said,
"The Home Department consider that those who benefit most from using the immigration system should help to fund it. The Home Department fully acknowledges the significant contribution that legal migrants make to the economy and cultural life in the Bailiwick and is confident that the increases in charges are not out of line with prices charged in the UK and other Islands and considers that the fees help to reduce the charge to the public purse".
In addition to including the 'cost recovery' element in the charges, they also reflect the value to the migrant of the immigration permission that is granted to them.
"In the case, for example, of a non - European Economic Area national who successfully applies for and is granted 'indefinite permission to remain' in Guernsey under the immigration laws, they are then able to freely live in the UK and Islands without immigration restrictions and have free access to the labour market. This is a significant step for the migrant and confers entitlements which are, rightly, highly prized."
Indefinite permission to remain granted in the Bailiwick of Guernsey is transferable to the UK, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
"It is important to note that immigration permission is entirely separate from the Housing Control laws in Guernsey and relevant legislation in other parts of the Bailiwick and does not affect a person's requirement to comply with those laws", said Mr Taylor.
The new immigration fees, which come into force on the 3 June 2013, are set out below:
Type of Application | Fee for applicant | Fee per dependant of the applicant |
Leave to remain in the Bailiwick for an indefinite period. | £1,051.00 (previously £972) | £788.00 (previously £486) |
Leave to remain in the Bailiwick for a limited period. | £578.00 (previously £550 | £433.00 (previously £275) |
Variation of leave to remain the Bailiwick for a limited period. | £578.00 (previously £550) | £433.00 (previously £275) |
Variation of leave to enter the Bailiwick for a limited period. | £578.00 (previously £550) | £433.00 (previously £275) |
FURTHER INFORMATION
The statutory requirements of the Immigration (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Rules, 2008 must be met before applications are submitted to the Immigration and Nationality Division of the Guernsey Border Agency. Applications will not be accepted unless the residence requirements of the Immigration Rules have been met in all cases.
Full details of the level of fees can be found on the Guernsey Border Agency website or by contacting the Immigration and Nationality Division of the Guernsey Border Agency on 741420.
