Cost of applying for indefinite leave under the bereaved partner concession

Early day motion 98, tabled 22 November 2023 by Stuart McDonald (Scottish National Party). Signed by 63 members.

That this House supports the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London’s call for a fee waiver to be introduced for grieving widows applying for indefinite leave to remain under the bereaved partner concession; notes that the death of a loved one brings multiple emotional, practical and financial costs; acknowledges that people whose leave to remain in the UK is tied to a partner who dies are in a particularly vulnerable situation; regrets that the spouses of deceased partners are now required to pay £2,885 for the concession despite the application costing just £491 for the government to process; further notes that people who cannot afford this fee may be forced to leave the UK or face detention and removal after the death of their partner; notes that the lack of a fee waiver for the concession discriminates against women who constitute almost 70 per cent of those on family visas; believes it is irrational for the government to introduce a concession in recognition of these applicants’ vulnerability but first insist on payment of a fee that people cannot afford; and calls for a fee waiver to be introduced.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 23, Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 6, Independent 4, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alba 1, Alliance 1, DUP 1, Green 1.