UK MPs trying to force government to end visa fee for UK's foreign-born veterans
December 4, 2021, 1:46 am

UK MPs trying to force government to end visa fee for UK's foreign-born veterans

Britain-Scotland-Armed forces/Pixabay

The BBC reported, two MPs are trying to force the government to waive visa fees for foreign citizens who served in the military and want to remain in the UK.

Visas for foreigners who served in UK armed forces currently cost £2,389.

Labour's Dan Jarvis and Conservative Johnny Mercer, both Army veterans, put forward an amendment to the Immigration and Borders Bill to scrap the fees for those with five years' service.

They said ministers must look after those who loyally serve the nation.

Dependents of former servicemen and women also have to pay the fees, meaning it can cost a family of four nearly £10,000 to stay.

England-Republican Guard/Pixabay

In 2020, there were 5,110 Commonwealth citizens serving in the armed forces. Every year around 500 leave and those who choose to stay in the UK must pay the visa fee.

The government has promised to address the issue and launched a consultation earlier this year.

It proposed scrapping the fees for those who had completed 12 years' service in the armed forces. But it would not apply to their family members or be applied retrospectively.

Mr Jarvis and Mr Mercer say that proposed qualification period is far too long and called on the government to "right this wrong".

Their amendment would mean the fees would be waived after five years' service and dependents of veterans would be included in the waiver.

The MPs are also calling for the exemption to be applied retrospectively.

Separately, Labour has tabled an amendment to scrap the fees after four years' service.

The party says the government's proposals would help just 10% of Commonwealth personnel leaving the armed forces.

Two of the largest veterans' charities, the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes, have also campaigned for the visa fees to be scrapped.

'Honouring its promises'

Mr Jarvis said: "It's time for actions, not words. The government must start honouring its promises to the armed forces."

Mr Mercer, a former defence minister, said waiving the fees would cost the government relatively little.

He said it was "inconceivable" as to why the Home Office and Ministry of Defence were "dragging their feet" on an issue which had broad support.

Lord Richards, who was Chief of the Defence Staff until 2013, said in an interview earlier this year: "To ask servicemen and women to pay for the privilege to live in a country they fought for or were to prepare to defend is absolutely out of order."

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said: "We are hugely grateful for the contribution of all those who serve in the armed forces."

It said it would be publishing a response to its consultation on visa fees "in due course".

Source: BBC

Persons with disabilities among those most affected by pandemic White House says it isn’t lobbying against bill on China’s Uyghurs

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.