Changes to Visa rules for Australians working in the UK

[whatmeworry]

Seems the UK is changing Visa rules for Australians and their families in the UK.

BRITAIN’S love affair with Australian workers is officially over with the “unique” bond between the two countries undermined by “discriminatory” immigration policies that next year will see thousands of workers forced to leave the UK.
That’s the damning conclusion of a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade report into a new tranche of UK visa rules set to come into effect next year that the Australian Government has already warned would cause “structural damage” to formal relations between the two countries.

UK visas for Australians: Changes in 2016 will force thousands to leave the UK

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I don't actually see the impact? Either the article wasn't well written, or the changes are limited to big companies who are complaining the Aussie they are about to hire will have to return to Australia in order to apply for a visa (instead of being able to do it 'on shore'). If the Aussie is that good, a quick trip home while they apply for a visa shouldn't be a major issue.

I think for the majority of Aussies... working holiday or ancestry visa... it remains the same?

As for the 'levies' element - I think i raised that earlier this year - prospective visa holders will be required to pay a health care levy in advance of travel. Sort of similar to our medicare levy, but in advance, at time of visa application. Again, for major companies... what's the issue?

 

[opusman]

Either the article wasn't well written

It's on NoNews so that's a foregone conclusion.

 

[whatmeworry]

More criticism of the proposed visa changes.

Tighter and more expensive visa regulations for Australians travelling to the UK could have a long-term impact on the close relationship between the two countries, according to officials and members of the British Prime Minister's own party.
From April 6, Australians staying longer than six months in the UK will have to pay $400 (200 GBP) for the 'free' National Health Service (NHS).
Australians wanting to consider permanent residency in the UK will have to be earning a minimum of $70,000 (35,000 GBP) to be permitted to stay.
The new laws, announced several years ago, come into effect in a matter of weeks and have faced a fresh round of criticism.

UK visa restrictions could impact relations with Australia, officials warn - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

 

[MEL_Traveller]

More criticism of the proposed visa changes.



UK visa restrictions could impact relations with Australia, officials warn - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Touched upon in another thread - I think it's pretty fair and reasonable.

Worth noting that for Aussies on working holidays - you get a two year visa for £225 and then have to pay £400 (200 per year) for your national health coverage. Total of £625 for two years of great fun, heaps of opportunities to travel, and experience. Nothing is being taken away from the 18-30s. As for professionals wanting to work - you either accept the charges, or don't go. Those wanting to go still will. Those who were just going over 'because' might reconsider their plans.

 

[SponsorSFC]

Though it does seem like you are being taxed twice whether you are on a working holiday or otherwise.

Now it was nearly a decade ago and this may have changed, however I am sure I was taxed with something akin to the Medicare levy for NHS while I was working in the UK.

So now you pay the fee, then also have this deducted from your wages. That seems a bit unfair and surely should be one or the other.

 

[Himeno]

Though it does seem like you are being taxed twice whether you are on a working holiday or otherwise.

Now it was nearly a decade ago and this may have changed, however I am sure I was taxed with something akin to the Medicare levy for NHS while I was working in the UK.

So now you pay the fee, then also have this deducted from your wages. That seems a bit unfair and surely should be one or the other.

I thought there was some deal between Medicare (AU) and NHS where people could use either when they were traveling and the programs would cross charge.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Though it does seem like you are being taxed twice whether you are on a working holiday or otherwise.

Now it was nearly a decade ago and this may have changed, however I am sure I was taxed with something akin to the Medicare levy for NHS while I was working in the UK.

So now you pay the fee, then also have this deducted from your wages. That seems a bit unfair and surely should be one or the other.

NI runs at something like 11% or something, unless it's increased.

The current proposal is for a surcharge, and I think that's fair...most people pay NI for many years... foreign workers coming in will do so for only a short period of time. the surcharge will help fund the difference.

 

[kelvedon]

NI runs at something like 11% or something, unless it's increased.

The current proposal is for a surcharge, and I think that's fair...most people pay NI for many years... foreign workers coming in will do so for only a short period of time. the surcharge will help fund the difference.

True, but the NI is also used to help fund the age pension (which is available to everyone as its not means tested) A benefit that that working holiday visa holders are unlikely to require.

 

[SponsorSFC]

I thought there was some deal between Medicare (AU) and NHS where people could use either when they were travelling and the programs would cross charge.

There are reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and Australia the taxation/proposed surcharges are independent of this.

 

[SponsorSFC]

NI runs at something like 11% or something, unless it's increased.

The current proposal is for a surcharge, and I think that's fair...most people pay NI for many years... foreign workers coming in will do so for only a short period of time. the surcharge will help fund the difference.

That would be the one.

You could also argue though that UK citizens have also benefited from the NHS for around 16 years each before they began paying any NI whereas foreign workers are paying from day 1.

Personally I would have no issue paying the fee as the NHS provides a high level of coverage that more than justifies the cost it just seems that the cost should already be covered by NI contributions.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

That would be the one.

You could also argue though that UK citizens have also benefited from the NHS for around 16 years each before they began paying any NI whereas foreign workers are paying from day 1.

Personally I would have no issue paying the fee as the NHS provides a high level of coverage that more than justifies the cost it just seems that the cost should already be covered by NI contributions.

Well, you know - that's the benefit of being a citizen I suppose! Although there are plenty of shortcomings with the NHS (long wait times for starters) - if you need urgent care I agree they're pretty good.

 

[clifford]

You could also argue though that UK citizens have also benefited from the NHS for around 16 years each before they began paying any NI whereas foreign workers are paying from day 1.

As far as I'm aware (as a British citizen) the supposed relationship between NI contributions and NHS benefits is a little spurious. Are you suggesting that a British citizen (eg non-working spouse) who may not have paid much if any NI contributions not receive the benefits of the NHS?

 

[opusman]

NHS is free for all citizens whether they have made NI contributions or not; similar to how the public hospital system is free for all Australians whether they pay the medicare levy or not.

 

[SponsorSFC]

As far as I'm aware (as a British citizen) the supposed relationship between NI contributions and NHS benefits is a little spurious. Are you suggesting that a British citizen (eg non-working spouse) who may not have paid much if any NI contributions not receive the benefits of the NHS?

Not at all.

I just don't quite understand the justification of applying an additional tax to those on working visas under the guise of paying for the NHS when those on working visas already contribute to the NHS at the same rate as a natural citizen.

It just reads to me as a convenient policy to add additional taxes on those who can't vote against you.

 

[whatmeworry]

Do EU citizens have to pay the extra "taxes/levies"?

 

[casanovawa]

Do UK citizens coming here have to pay the same is all I'm interested in...

We should have a decent history going back a while, if they want to start hitting Aussies for a few extra bucks and threaten the relationship then screw them... Or at least do the same to them, plenty of Poms come to Australia...

 

[kelvedon]

Do EU citizens have to pay the extra "taxes/levies"?

No, and they don't need a visa either, that's one of the reasons for the Brexit discussion.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Do UK citizens coming here have to pay the same is all I'm interested in...

We should have a decent history going back a while, if they want to start hitting Aussies for a few extra bucks and threaten the relationship then screw them... Or at least do the same to them, plenty of Poms come to Australia...

They do.

According to this page, a general skilled migration working visa is AUD3600: https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Fees

 

[Isochronous]

The UK should abolish the Third World socialist kleptocracy monstrosity which is the NHS. The idea of paying for that rabble of a system is a disgrace.