Hundreds of migrants in the UK are experiencing long delays in their visa applications, causing serious problems in their lives. Many of these migrants have British children and are legally living in the country, yet they face uncertainty and financial struggles because of the delays.
Migrants in the UK must renew their leave to remain every 30 months before they can qualify for indefinite leave after five or ten years. This process is very expensive, with each application costing £1,258. There is also an NHS surcharge of £1,035 per year, and many migrants spend even more on legal fees.
While the Home Office aims to process applications within eight weeks, some migrants wait much longer. Recent figures show that 902 applicants for study or partner visas have waited more than a year, and 167 cases have been unresolved for over 20 years. These delays lead to job losses, suspension of benefits, and growing debt, even for migrants who are legally allowed to stay in the UK.
One family, Ali and Sade, shared their struggles. They have four children, three of whom are British citizens. In May 2023, they applied for a fee waiver to avoid paying £8,000 for their visa extension. Eighteen months later, they are still waiting for a decision. Ali lost his job because of the uncertainty, and the family now relies on food banks. Sade, who works as a carer, said the delays are affecting their children’s well-being.
The delays also create problems for migrants trying to prove their legal status while waiting for a decision. Without proper documents, many are at risk of losing their jobs. This issue was highlighted in a recent High Court case where the judge ruled that the Home Office acted unlawfully by not providing proof of status to applicants. The judge noted that this failure causes serious harm, including job suspensions and financial instability.
For Ali and Sade, the situation is becoming unbearable. Ali cannot return to work without proof of his legal status, and the family fears they will not be able to afford their next visa renewal in 30 months. They also missed important family events, such as Sade’s father’s funeral in Nigeria, because they cannot leave the UK without risking their ability to return.
Organizations like the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex & London (RAMFEL) say that these delays show how dysfunctional the immigration system is. RAMFEL estimates that around 40,000 people on temporary leave each year could lose their jobs due to these delays. Experts suggest that the process could be improved by simplifying the application system and providing more resources to reduce waiting times.
For families like Ali and Sade’s, the delays have taken a heavy toll. Even if their visa is approved, they will soon face the same struggles when it is time to renew. This ongoing cycle is leaving many migrants in a state of constant uncertainty and hardship.