The Army Non-UK Working Group is instrumental in improving policies and processes for non-UK soldiers and families. Changes to the chapter on visas during an overseas assignment in JSP752, which provided clarification of what can be claimed, was a direct result of its work. AFF’s F&C specialist Katherine asked the army’s non-UK caseworker and secretary of the group, Al Boon what members are working on at the moment…
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PRIORITIES?
Our main focus at the moment is on improving the transition experience for non-UK service leavers. We are looking to update existing guidance but also to produce tailored guides for recruits discharged during initial training and serving personnel discharged for medical or
disciplinary reasons. These will make it easier for people to understand their eligibility to remain in the UK and will ensure they are signposted quickly to the people who can help them.
Another key priority is improving support for families posted overseas, for example by pushing for visa considerations to be part of the overseas supportability process and working with the Home Office to simplify the process of applying for citizenship for children born
overseas.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT THE PRIORITIES ARE?
We use evidence from the enquiries that come directly to us, but the evidence provided by HIVE and AFF also plays a big part in shaping our
priorities and actions. We also host regular ‘Ask the Experts’ sessions. The questions raised during these sessions are included in the evidence-base.
HOW DOES THE GROUP ACHIEVE ITS AIMS?
By working with relevant organisations, charities and policy holders. For example, we raise issues about the immigration rules to the Home
Office/MOD working group. We have been working closely with Recruiting Branch to resolve issues around medical deferrals and visa extensions.
We also produce guidance for units and personnel with the help of all our stakeholders, such as AFF.
All the guidance specific to non-UK serving personnel is now hosted on the Families Hub site at discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk