LONDON: The British Government on Wednesday announced a sharp rise in the visa fee for non-European migrants, including students and visitors.

In some categories, it would cost twice as much to get a visa than it does now, but the proposed increase in student and visitor visa fee is comparatively modest.

The new rates will come into effect from next month.

A student visa will now cost £99, against the existing £85, and the price of a visitor visa will go up from £50 to £63 (from Rs. 4250 to Rs. 5355 approximately)

Those seeking a work permit visa will be among the hardest hit with the fee going up from £85 to £200.

Migrants applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the U.K. (residency permit) will have to pay £750, against the existing fee of £335. The fee for Highly-Skilled Migrants such as doctors, IT professionals and entrepreneurs will go up from £315 to £400. The fee for nationality will rise from £200 to a whopping £575.

The hike, second in the past two years, will affect all categories of non-European Union migrants.

The Government said those who benefited from living in Britain should pay more to fund the immigration system. The increase was also intended to deter illegal migrants.

Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "We believe that it is fair that those who benefit most from using our immigration system - those who come here to live and work - should pay more to fund it. The extra money will... .help pay for a firm but fair immigration system, tackling illegal working, organised crime, extremism and terrorism. We are committed to making the system easier for those we want to come but tougher on those abusing it.''

He said the Government would make sure that Britain remained competitive in a global market by improving services for genuine visitors and making the immigration regime more efficient.

But immigrant groups attacked the hike, calling it "unfair'' and "arbitrary''

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