UK waives settlement fees for bereaved partners, unveils new diplomatic visas

London: Eligible foreign nationals dealing with the death of a partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement in the UK waived, under new rules laid out in Parliament this week.

Currently, people who wish to apply for settlement in the UK following the death of their British citizen partner are required to pay a GBP 2,885 fee, irrespective of a change in financial circumstances following a loss.

Migration and citizenship minister Seema Malhotra told Parliament on Tuesday that this fee will now be waived from October 9 as part of a “fairer and more compassionate approach” to those wishing to stay in the UK and facing acute financial vulnerability during times of grief.

“Losing a loved one is a deep and unimaginable pain, all too often compounded by the immense financial strain faced by those left behind,” said Malhotra.

“Widows, widowers, and their dependent children who had become integral parts of our communities can now apply for a fee waiver if facing destitution, in order to settle and keep the life they have built. This marks a fairer and more compassionate approach to those unable to afford the settlement fees, but who have often worked, paid their taxes and contributed to life here in the UK, including the partners of our military veterans,” she said.