Whilst I was out in SA; I did see small signs of people doing what they can. Grass cutting, fixing traffic lights and even potholes. But it's far too little - a lot more needs to be done and perhaps when the ANC get booted out of the city in 2026 elections, things will start to change.
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Immigrating to the UK
- Thread starter AchmatK
- Start date
Whilst I was out in SA; I did see small signs of people doing what they can. Grass cutting, fixing traffic lights and even potholes. But it's far too little - a lot more needs to be done and perhaps when the ANC get booted out of the city in 2026 elections, things will start to change.
I used to love living in JHB, Im quite disappointed to say that Im not even stepping foot in Gauteng.
You're not missing much. Place has gone to the dogs.
lexity
Honorary Master
Is that so you can start spending on the NHS before having paid into it?
lexity
Honorary Master
Ok, yes, I suspected it might be something like that.
The Voice
Honorary Master
It’s what you have to pay into the NHS before you can start using it. Once you start earning a salary, you then continue paying for the NHS, too.
AstroTurf
Lucky Shot
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It's the Immigration Health Surcharge.
All normal immigrants have to pay IHS but cost differs for different visa categories.
Anyone in the UK can use NHS but you can not get a visa through the normal routes without paying IHS.
Asylum seekers are a different story.
Sinbad
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Be aware if you work in healthcare or related services you can get a pro rata refund of your ihs...
It's refunded into the credit card you used to pay it, so don't close that down until you're sure you won't need it
It's refunded into the credit card you used to pay it, so don't close that down until you're sure you won't need it
Just submitted my spouse visa application. £5k later as I opted for super priority. Off to London tomorrow morning for the bio appointment at 10. Hopefully will have an answer end of Monday or Tuesday.
Should be getting £2k or so back of it at least as I’ve already paid the health surcharge for the same period.
Wanted super priority due to having the need to not be on current skilled visa rather urgently.
Should be getting £2k or so back of it at least as I’ve already paid the health surcharge for the same period.
Wanted super priority due to having the need to not be on current skilled visa rather urgently.
Dave
Honorary Master
I didn’t know they had such a rapid service. Do you get tea and biscuits at your appointment tomorrow?
I expect the red carpet treatment for that price.
Took a trip to London this morning to complete my biometrics at Gee Street, TLS.
What a service. Not sure they could make it any more efficient!
Appointment was for 10am. I got there at 09:35. By 09:47 I was walking out. Self service for doing biometrics and they scan passport and each page at counter.
It literally couldn’t be simpler. Confirmation mail in my inbox before I exited the building.
This is such a contrast to TLS in Santon if anyone’s been there. First thing you need to do is go through scanners and remove all electronics and turn off your phone. Was expecting the same here. But non of that happened.
Santon one isn’t terrible though and has gotten better over the years. I’ve been going to it for 6-8 years. Each time I needed a visitors visa.
What a service. Not sure they could make it any more efficient!
Appointment was for 10am. I got there at 09:35. By 09:47 I was walking out. Self service for doing biometrics and they scan passport and each page at counter.
It literally couldn’t be simpler. Confirmation mail in my inbox before I exited the building.
This is such a contrast to TLS in Santon if anyone’s been there. First thing you need to do is go through scanners and remove all electronics and turn off your phone. Was expecting the same here. But non of that happened.
Santon one isn’t terrible though and has gotten better over the years. I’ve been going to it for 6-8 years. Each time I needed a visitors visa.
The Voice
Honorary Master
Yeah, I remember Sandton… was 10 years ago, though, hopefully things have improved a bit.
And grats! Must be a relief.
Yeah they have most definitely improved since then. I’d give them a respectable 7/10. London 10/10.
And thanks. Now the nervous wait to see if I managed to submit everything correctly.
Paul Kemp
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Hope all goes well. At least your wait is short.
The last sentence of your original post sounds ominous, or you’ve got a job lined up. Either way hope it’s all positive.
So yeah.. just heard back.
Visa approved!! FML. I’m not even home yet.
**** that was quick service!
And yea I’ll elaborate more on the other thread.
Dave
Honorary Master
Fecking hell, that was quick!
Paul Kemp
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Congrats and damn that is impressive service!
I’m still in shock.
- Applied online - yesterday
- Appointment today at 09:35
- Biometrics email at 09:50
- Approval email at 10:54
That’s just incredible service. You get your monies worth that’s for sure.
Sinbad
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Dave
Honorary Master
Just had a look, £1k
Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application
Getting a faster decision on a visa or settlement application; priority service, super priority service; waiting times; how to check if you're eligible