The UK government has revealed that thousands of visa applicants have been unlawfully charged for language tests by a company called Ecctis Ltd since 2008. The government is aware of this issue but continues to demand fees as it needs the money. Home Office minister Seema Malhotra admitted this situation to a Lords committee and acknowledged the need to address it urgently.
The government is now rushing through legislation to make the charges legal, to potentially charge up to £400 for the tests. They are also considering establishing a restitution scheme or retrospective legislation to address the situation. The lack of transparency and mistreatment of visa applicants has been criticized by the Lords committee.
Naga Kandiah, a public law solicitor, expressed concern about the additional burden on visa applicants during a financial crisis, especially since the Home Office has raised visa fees to some of the highest in Europe. The Home Office has not commented on the issue yet. Applicants for UK visas must prove their English proficiency or qualifications, paying fees to Ecctis for assessments.
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