This means that a Service leaver and their partner have to pay a bill of £4,778 to continue to live in the UK, before taking children and further dependents into account. Since the introduction of fees in 2003, fees have increased overall by 1,441%. If veterans cannot pay these fees, or if their application fails, they can face deportation. Each year around 500 commonwealth personnel leave Service and are faced with these costs should they wish to provide stability for their family by remaining in the UK.
