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04 May 2007
Issue: 7271 / Categories: Legal News , Public , Human rights , Community care
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Immigrants' group hits out at unfair fee increases

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Fee hikes for settlement applications and required tests for applicants will have a "disproportionate impact" on poor and excluded groups, a campaign group is warning.

As of 2 April 2007, all applicants for indefinite leave to remain need to provide evidence that they have passed either the Life in the UK test or an English for Speakers of Other Languages’ test which includes citizenship materials.

The Home Office says the aim behind the new requirement is to encourage people to learn English and to gain knowledge of UK traditions, structures, laws and democratic processes.

However, the new rules mean the fee for applying for settlement has more than doubled from £335 to £750.

According to the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), the increase in fees will have a “disproportionate impact” on particular racial groups who are among the poorest in UK society, including Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Somalis and Ethiopians.

JCWI spokesperson Rhian Beynon says: “Many of these groups will be unemployed or in low paid and temporary

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