The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Harwich to Shotley Gate) (No. 1) Order 2026

Published: Thu 16th Jul 26

This Order increases the annual amount of the immigration health charge, which is paid by persons applying for leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for a limited period.

It raises the standard rate for most adult applicants and the discounted rate for students, children, and Youth Mobility Scheme participants.

The updated charges apply to all relevant immigration applications submitted on or after the date the Order comes into force, requiring the Secretary of State to collect these higher fees as part of the visa process.

Arguments For

The Explanatory Memorandum states that the increase ensures the health charge covers the cost of healthcare services provided by the National Health Service (NHS) to those who pay it.
The document reflects a policy to align the charge with the latest available data on the cost of NHS usage by migrants.
Proponents argue that the charge ensures migrants make a financial contribution to the health service that is proportionate to their likely use of it.
The order maintains a discounted rate for students, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and children to account for their specific status and generally lower health service utilization.

Arguments Against

Migrant rights organizations have argued that the significant increase in the surcharge places an undue financial burden on families and low-income workers.
Critics have noted that because many visa holders also pay UK income tax or National Insurance, the surcharge effectively constitutes double taxation for healthcare access.
Legal scholars and advocacy groups have raised concerns that the high cost may deter international students and skilled workers from choosing the UK as a destination.
Some health policy analysts have suggested that the surcharge could lead to public health risks if individuals delay seeking medical treatment due to the cost of maintaining their immigration status.

This Order may be cited as the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2024 and comes into force on the later of 16th January 2024 or the twenty-first day after the day on which it is made.

This section establishes the official name of the legislation and sets the commencement date.

The new fees take effect either on 16 January 2024 or 21 days after the order is formally signed, whichever happens later.

(1) The Immigration (Health Charge) Order 2015 is amended as follows.

(2) In Schedule 1 (amount of the charge)— (a) in the second column of the table (annual amount)— (i) for “£470”, in both places it occurs, substitute “£776”; (ii) for “£624” substitute “£1,035”.

This section updates the specific amounts listed in the original 2015 Health Charge Order.

It increases the discounted annual rate from £470 to £776 and the standard annual rate from £624 to £1,035.

The higher rate of £1,035 applies to most adult applicants for limited leave to enter or remain.

The lower rate of £776 applies specifically to those applying as students, dependents of students, Youth Mobility Scheme participants, or applicants under the age of 18 at the time of application.

This Order does not apply in relation to an application for leave to enter or remain made before the coming into force of this Order.

This provision ensures the price increase is not retrospective. Any individual who submits their immigration application before this Order becomes law will pay the previous, lower health charge rates.

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