April 25, 2007	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 07, 1428

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ISLAMABAD, April 24: The British High Commission has more than doubled visa fees, which has come as a big shock to Pakistanis who frequently travel to the UK.

According to information available on the BHC website, it had been 18 months since the last change in visa fees in July 2005.

In the revised fee structure, fees for one, two and five years’ multiple entry visas have been increased from Rs11,025 to Rs25,000 — a 127 per cent increase. Short-term multiple entry/six-month visit visa fee has been increased to Rs7,875.

The commission has also introduced a new ‘transit’ category. Passengers travelling through the UK would now have to pay an additional Rs5,500. Earlier, it was covered under the short-term or six-month visa category.

When the head of press and public affairs section at the BHC, Aidan Liddle, was contacted, he said, “We want to keep the UK competitive and an attractive destination for those coming to visit, work, invest or simply travel through. The fee increase, which applies globally, has been based on regular public consultation and on extensive market research,” he said, adding “the increase in visa fees is also for meeting our expenses.”

The new fees ensured a firm and fair immigration system, and would support a robust and enhanced visa service using the latest technology with the commercial partners’ costs included, he added.

The increase in the visa fees has shocked the public. Many people who wanted to apply for one and two years’ multiple entry visas are now left with no choice but to apply for six-month visit visa. The new fees are beyond the range of many earning average salaries including Amna Khan, who thought the move was “unfair and unjust.” “Did they consider incomes of those who earned average salaries? And there is no guarantee if they issue a visa. If they refuse us, the nonrefundable Rs25,000 go down the drain,” she observed. She said she now had to apply for a six-month visa to visit her sister and brother-in-law.

A gradual and reasonable increase of 20 to 30 per cent could be understandable. But an outrageous 130 per cent, more than double the amount, is exorbitant and too extreme, said Iran Khan who had dropped the idea of visiting his cousins this summer in the UK. The new visa fees have ruined Imran’s plans to visit his cousins in the UK in summers.

“How on God’s earth does it now make UK an attractive destination? Its pure business and they want to discourage us Pakistanis from visiting the UK,” said Imran, adding “It’s so infuriating.” An entrepreneur, Waqas, who had visited London over a dozen times, said why had the Pakistani government not protested to protect the interests of the citizens?

Visa fees for other European countries and the US are only one fifth compared to the revised fees structure by the BHC for long-term visa category. The Italian embassy charged Rs4,918 (short-term) airport transit visas, transit visas, short-stay or travel visas, valid up to 90 days for single or multiple entry and Rs5, 890 (long- term) visas.

Fees for French visa either transit, short stay (one month/three months) or circulation (one to five years) is Rs4,918. For long stay visa (work or family reunion, students) an amount of Rs7,000 is charged.

Germany charges Rs5,500 for transit visa, which is valid up to six months and a stay of up to 30 days with one, two or multiple entries.

Visa fee charged by the US is Rs6,700 for any duration, Spain Rs4,860 and Belgium Rs5,040.