Government to extend UK legislation requiring visa applicants to contribute to healthcare costs
Tynwald has unanimously approved a new Immigration Health Surcharge for people applying to live, work, or study in the Isle of Man.
The new order aims to extend provisions of the UK’s Immigration Act 2014 to the Island, enabling the government to require visa applicants to contribute towards NHS services.
The charge is expected to mirror the existing UK scheme, requiring visa applicants to help fund NHS services.
It'll also form part of the standard visa process under new legislation linked to the UK’s Immigration Act 2014.
Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas previously estimated the surcharge could generate around £600,000 for Manx Care.
According to an explanatory memorandum from the Treasury, a new digital payment mechanism will be developed, with limited additional workload anticipated for the Immigration Service or Manx Care.
But in Tynwald today (16 July) Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper warned it could negatively affect inward migration:
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