Vincentians wishing to stay in the United Kingdom beyond the six-month visa-free period will now be required to pay a financial contribution towards the National Health Services (NHS), a move that will give them the same access to the NHS as a permanent UK resident.
The change took effect on Monday, April 6.
The British High Commission said the UK Parliament has recently approved regulations for an Immigration Health Surcharge, which will was introduced on April 6, 2015.
The surcharge means that non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who come to the United Kingdom to work, study or join family for a time limited period of more than six months, or apply to extend their stay when they are in the United Kingdom will have to pay this financial contribution to the NHS.
The document further states that the health surcharge will apply to application where payment is made on or after April 6. The fee will be set at 200 pounds sterling a year for temporary migrants and 150 pounds sterling a year for students.
Vincentians enjoy visa free access to the United Kingdom for a period up to six months.