Outrage over plans to charge migrants for email assistance

Outrage was brewing at a fresh announcement from the Home Office on Tuesday afternoon, after it was revealed migrants would be charged for emailing UK Visas and Immigration.

The announcement confirmed the outsourcing of all immigration customer enquiries to Sitel, due to take place on 1 June, would result in changes to all phone numbers and contact centre opening hours.

It was also revealed the number of languages being offered would be reduced to eight, including English.

But the point causing the most consternation was the revelation that customers who contacted UK Visas and Immigration by email would be charged £5.48 for the privilege of doing so.

“These changes help the government reduce costs and ensure those who benefit directly from the UK immigration system make an appropriate contribution,” the release read.

The changes meant there would no longer be a way for customers outside the UK to contact the immigration service without charge.

One migrant worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told Digital Look he did not understand why the policy was being implemented.

“How do you charge for emails? Emails are supposed to be free!”

The changes come after statistics released last week showed net migration slowed significantly in 2016, by 84,000 migrants to 248,000.

Despite that, the Conservative Party still promised to almost triple the cost of many visas in its manifesto, by increasing the health surcharge on working immigrants to £600 per year from £200.