Changes to Settlement fees for Non-UK Service Personnel

For more information click here ​or contact your local HIVE.

Implementation of the settlement fee waiver

Following the joint announcement on 23 Feb by the Defence Secretary and the Home Secretary that the fee for Settlement (ILR/ILE) would be waived for eligible non-UK Service Personnel (SP) on discharge, the fee regulations have now been laid in Parliament and the waiver will come into effect on 6 April 2022.

To be eligible, non-UK SP applying on or after 6 Apr, must meet existing Home Office criteria and:
Have served for six years or more, or
Discharged with an illness or injury attributable to service – irrespective of length of service, or are a veteran currently living in the UK who has not regularised their immigration status following six years or more of service or were discharged with an illness or injury attributable to service.

A Defence Instruction or Notice (DIN) will follow.

UK Government, Visa fees scrapped for Non-UK Service Personnel

In recognition of the immensely valuable contribution that thousands of overseas personnel make to the UK while serving, the Government has announced that visa fees will be waived for those who have served in the UK Armed Forces for a minimum period of six years or been discharged due to an illness or injury attributable to their service.

To read more got to 👉 www.gov.uk/government/news/visa-fees-scrapped-for-non-uk-service-personnel

Calling Service Personnel who joined the Army from Non-UK countries

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Veterans and Families' Institute is doing research into your experience of life in the UK, the UK immigration system and life in the military. Please see the links below and get in touch if you would like to take part.

Non UK Personnel Invitations

NCOS – OFFICERS FOCUS GROUP DATES

PRIVATE TO CORPORAL FOCUS GROUP DATES

 

Army Transition Information Sheets

INDIVIDUAL PLANNING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Our aim is to ensure that service leavers are given all the relevant information needed to make an informed choice allowing a smooth transition into civilian life.

Transition Individual Planning and Personal Development (IPPD) is the offer of support, advice and education that will increase personal knowledge and awareness and supports soldiers' personal development and long-term planning. It should be undertaken throughout your military career in order to enhance your professional portfolio and career prospects as well as prepare you for your inevitable transition to civilian life.

To support this there are a variety of free Transition Information Sheets that are available on the Army website and cover everything from securing accommodation, pensions, health and wellbeing to immigration information and managing personal finances.

To find out more 👉 Transition to civilian life | The British Army (mod.uk)

Domestic Abuse Help for Non-English Speakers

​On the 28 Oct 21, the Home Office added new translations of the guidance on how to get help on the Gov.uk Website. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.  Translations of the page have been added in Arabic, Bangla, Chinese, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Persian, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu and Welsh. The guidance covers how to recognise domestic abuse, get help and support and how to check whether someone has an abusive past.

Non UK Nationals Guide

To access the information please click HERE

HIVE Support for Non UK National Personnel and their Families

 

Changes to Timeline for Submission of Indefinite Leave to Remain Applications Pre-Discharge

The MOD has agreed with the Home Office to extend the time limit before discharge that non-UK Service Personnel can submit applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain, with immediate effect.

Previously, non-UK soldiers had been able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) up to 10 weeks prior to discharge. This has now been changed to up to 18 weeks prior to discharge.

It will take time to reflect this in Army / MOD and Home Office documents and websites, as well as other Army guidance documents. In the meantime, any questions should be directed to your soldier's chain of command.

Unit Guide to Supporting Non UK Nationals v 7.6

To read the full document

please

CLICK HERE

ARMY - BLACK,ASIAN MINORITY ETHIC NETWORK - Are seeking new members