On 3 July, OFSI issued new General Licence – INT/2024/4907888 which allows for payments to Visa Application Services Providers from a Designated Person (DP), or on behalf of a DP (Notice).
Under this General Licence, a UK DP (other than those designated by the UN), or a non-designated natural or legal person can make a Permitted Payment to a Visa Application Service Provider for or on behalf of a DP or for the benefit of a DP. The Visa Application Service Provider may receive Permitted Payments and remit it to relevant entities, which include the UK Home Office and relevant subsidiaries and parent companies of the Visa Providers.
The Permitted Payments which are authorised under this General Licence include mandatory user payments for each visa application and fees for:
- Document courier services to and from the Visa Application Centre;
- Specialist appointments to support visa application form completion; and
- Photo, ID, and Biometric scanning fees.
The licence took effect from 00:01 on 3 July and has no expiry date.
Gherson lawyers have significant experience of advising on UK and international sanctions regimes and can assist you with sanctions compliance or representations before regulatory authorities. We also can assist you with licence applications if needed.
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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