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MANILA, Philippines?Fees for all United Kingdom visa applications worldwide have been increased starting April 6, the British embassy here said Wednesday.
In a statement, the embassy said the new fees, which are set in pound sterling, are available on its website.
It said the increase in the visa fees forms part of the reforms the UK has been implementing.
Mark Date, entry clearance manager of the embassy, said the increases, which vary according to visa type, are meant to maintain the highest degree of service.
"The UK must consider its international competitiveness in this challenging time to our global economy. We need to keep our standards at sustainable levels and assert our position as an attractive destination for work, study, and to visit," he said.
Date explained that while the fees have risen, the cost of processing student visas remains higher than the charged amount because the UK wants to remain appealing to foreign students.
"And unlike other countries, the UK student visa allows its holders to work 20 hours per week during school days and full time during holiday periods to support their studies," he added.
Veronica Uy
