The Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2024

This order primarily concerns adjustments to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in the United Kingdom. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:

1. Fee Adjustments: The amendment increases the IHS to £1,035 per person annually, with a discounted rate of £776 for students, their dependants, applicants on the Youth Mobility Scheme, and those under 18. This aligns the surcharge with the average NHS usage cost by these groups.

2. Economic Impact: The order assesses the net economic impact, projecting a Net Present Social Value (NPSV) ranging from £4.4 billion to £6.2 billion, with a best estimate of £5.4 billion. This reflects the expected fiscal benefits of the surcharge increase while considering potential reductions in immigration volumes and subsequent impacts on sectors like education and business.

3. Discrimination Concerns: The order evaluates potential direct and indirect impacts on protected characteristics, such as age, disability, and marital status. It notes that while increases in the IHS might disproportionately affect certain groups due to affordability issues, it might provide better value for those who use NHS services more intensively.

4. Fee Waivers: To comply with human rights obligations, the order maintains fee waivers for eligible family and human rights routes, addressing affordability for applicants unable to pay due to financial hardship.

5. Impact on Migration and Public Services: The analysis anticipates that increasing the IHS could lead to fewer visa applications, potentially reducing public service costs and congestion, while increasing revenue for the NHS.

6. Implementation and Monitoring: The Home Office will monitor the impact of the surcharge increase, coordinating with health ministries to ensure the policy’s objectives are met.

In conclusion, this order is a strategic move to ensure the IHS reflects the true cost of NHS services used by temporary migrants, thereby supporting the NHS's long-term sustainability.