Non-UK Nationals: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution

A news article was published recently on Gov.uk, highlighting that people dealing with the death of their partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement waived.​ The implementation date in the article is 9 Oct 24.

This update applies equally to the Armed Forces community including veterans: "Bereaved partners of members of HM Armed Forces, Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans (discharged before 1 July 1997) may also benefit from this fee waiver.​"

To read the article in full, please go to: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Army HIVE's Non-UK National team can be contacted for further information via this email address: rc-pers-hive-nonuknat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Pinnacle Service Families Virtual Outreach Weds 2nd October

 

Next week, Wednesday 2nd October, you have the opportunity to speak to colleagues from our Customer Solutions, Repairs, Home Services and Housing Officer teams.

​To book your slot by 29th September, visit​: https://t.co/KRfteEY6uX​

AGAI 50 and and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support - Updated and Re-published

Both AGAI 50 and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support have been republished. The AGAI may be found here, while the Guide is available on both the Personal Services SharePoint site and Defence Connect. The SharePoint site also contains copies of the unit letters featured in the AGAI and Guide and a version of the PowerPoint presentation for annual briefings.
​Please note that these links are only accessible via MODnet/Defence Gateway. Please contact HIVE if assistance is required.

Overseas Local Needs Analysis

 

Service families, have your say!

On behalf of the Defence Safeguarding Partnership Board (DSPB), DCS are undertaking a Local Needs Analysis to help us to better understand the needs, wants, and wishes of children, young people, families, and individuals overseas. The form should take no longer than 7 minutes to complete and can help to shape the future of social care, family support and personal support for all of our population overseas.

You can complete the form here

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: News Update

 News Updates 

Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals

Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals



If you or your family hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, you will need to replace it by registering for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.



UKVI will be contacting customers by email to advise them to register for a UKVI account, but you do not need to wait to be contacted to take action. If you or family members have changed your email address since your last application for leave, or used someone else’s email address, you may not receive this email, but you can still register for an account.



What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

A BRP is proof of an individual’s right to stay, work or study in the UK, it can also be used to confirm an individual’s identity and right to any public services or benefits they may be entitled to whilst in the UK. Currently a Biometric Residence Permit is required by anyone who comes to the UK for:

* longer than 6 months,

* extends their visa beyond 6 months,

* applies to Settle in the UK,

* transfers their visa to a new passport,

* or applies for certain Home Office travel documents.

What should I do If I have a BRP?

Those with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will need to replace it by setting up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This will provide the holder with a digital visa (eVisa) based on the most recent grant of leave to be in the UK that an individual has. Once transferred to the eVisa all details will be accessible by the Department of Work and Pensions, Local Authorities, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency, Border Force, the NHS and Rail, Air and Sea commercial carriers at any such times that they require it.



Those with a BRP should continue to carry it when travelling internationally until it expires.



What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital version of what was previously a BRP, a wet-ink stamp or a vignette in a passport. The eVisa will enable the holder, government departments and some third-party organisations such as the Department of Work and Pensions, Local Authorities, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency, Border Force, the National Health Service and Rail, Sea and Air carriers to view the holder’s immigration status and associated conditions.



I am currently serving as a Non-UK national, am I affected?

At the moment, non-UK service personnel are ‘Exempt from Immigration Control’ whilst serving and do not need a BRP. However, it is likely that at some point in the future exempt statuses will also be required to hold an eVisa, and if you apply to Settle in the UK on discharge (Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK or Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK) will also require an eVisa. For now, Non-UK Service Personnel do not need to take any action for themselves. As and when this changes more information will be available.

My family holds a BRP, what do they need to do?

If a family member has a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, they will need to register for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. They should do this before their BRP expires.



My family has Settled status/Indefinite Leave to Remain in/Enter the UK, what do they need to do?



If a family member has Settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK (ILE)) and they have a wet-ink stamp or a vignette in their passport, then it’s recommended that they follow the following steps:

1. Make a No Time Limit Application [https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp] to replace the wet-ink stamp/vignette in their passport with a BRP.

2. Upon receipt of BRP, register for a UKVI account and move to an eVisa.



However, No Time Limit Applications can only be submitted in the UK. If they are overseas, they will still be able to enter the UK from the 01 January 2025 even if they have not registered for a UKVI account as Rail, Sea and Air carriers will be able to check their status automatically.



What should I do once I/family have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account?



Once you or your family members have registered for a UKVI account it is important to check that all travel document information is up-to-date for each account holder.



Further information



Details about the eVisas system and how to register can be found by visiting GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa]

Ayios Nikolaos HIVE Uniform Swap Shop

 Struggling to find school uniform? 

Have uniform that has been outgrown? 

Ayios Nikolaos HIVE has a uniform swap shop! Bring along your donations, or pop in and look through the rails to see if we have what you need. 

Open every weekday 8-1. 

Dhekelia School Uniform Swap Shop

 Struggling to find school uniform? 

Have uniform tht has been outgrown? 

Dhekelia Hive has a uniform swap shop! Bring along your donations, or pop in and look through the rails to see if we have what you need. 

Open every weekday 8-1. 

The Business Launch Accelerator Course from the Milspo® Network: Empowering Military Spouses to Thrive

The life of a military spouse and partner is full of unique challenges – from frequent moves to deployments and unpredictable schedules. But amidst these challenges, a desire to build a business and pursue financial independence often burns brightly. The Milspo® Network recognises this and has created the solution: The Business Launch Accelerator Course.

This comprehensive 8-week online programme is specifically designed for military spouses, partners, and other-halves eager to start and grow a business.

Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools

In light of the introduction of a governmental policy which will charge VAT on private and independent schools in the UK from 1 January 2025, the Army Personnel Policy team are keen to understand the impact of this change on Service Personnel and their families. 

Co-ordinated School Admissions (England)

What is co-ordinated admissions?

 
This advice applies if you have a child starting primary school (Yr R) or secondary school (Yr 7) in England for the first time (please note some LAs have a middle school point of entry also).

Applications for school places at these points are run on a national co-ordinated scheme. All admission authorities work to the same dates and timescales which are set in the School Admissions Code.

For more information click here

Wraparound Childcare – families Q&A session with the WAC team 17th Sept

 Do you have a WAC question? Ask the WAC team.

Have you registered for WAC but still have questions? Are you eligible but haven’t yet registered? Are you unsure of the registration and claims process?

The WAC team are here to answer your questions.

Tuesday 17 September 13:00-14:00

Book your space now, complete the MS Form to receive a link to the Q&A session Family Q&A with the Wraparound Childcare Team (office.com) 

What is this Q&A session for?

This session is the latest in a series of Q&As that have been held since WAC became available to eligible Service families and will aim to answer any queries that families currently have.

Where to find further information

Service personnel can access FAQs and more information on the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect

Families can find more information and FAQS on the Discover My Benefits Army, RAF, Navy or Marines webpage (www), or the HIVEs, RN FPS and Families Federations information sites.

The Whispering Wind installation for those who have experience pregnancy, baby or child loss

Reservations for windmills for our Whispering Wind event in October (9th-15th Oct 2024 at the Defence Academy of the UK at Shrivenham), are still open, but not for long.

So if you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy, baby or child loss, and would like to honour their child's memory through our event, please send them our way. Reservation forms can be requested via DM or emailing dandelionmilfamilies@gmail.com

Windmills are free of charge to families, will be personalised and sent out to families once our Baby Loss Awareness Week event has come to a close.

Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages about their loved ones so far, your strength continues to amaze us and we feel honoured you have chosen to share their memory with us for this event. ​

Togetherall: Behind the Smile

Togetherall:Behind the Smile