Covid-19 update: UK extends visas of stranded Indians, others until July 31

The Boris Johnson authorities on Friday prolonged till July 31 the visas of Indian and different non-EU residents presently within the UK whose visas have expired or are about to run out and are unable to return to their dwelling international locations attributable to lockdowns imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Their visas had beforehand been prolonged till May 31, however a lot of Indians and others are nonetheless unable to go away the UK. Over 2,000 stranded Indians have thus far returned dwelling in repatriation flights.

The visa extension will apply to anybody whose go away expired after January 24 and can’t go away the nation due to journey restrictions or self-isolation, the Home Office mentioned, including that these presently on momentary visas, similar to customer visas, ought to return dwelling as quickly as it’s protected and potential to take action.

Home secretary Priti Patel mentioned: “By extending people’s visas further, we are giving them peace of mind that they are able to stay in the UK until the end of July if they are unable to leave the country safely”.

“This is one of a number of unprecedented measures the government has made to support people during this time, however, as we begin a cautious return to normality those currently in the UK on expired visitor visas should return home as soon as possible”.

A devoted coronavirus immigration crew within the Home Office is working with people to make the method as easy as potential, officers mentioned, including that anybody on this state of affairs must contact the crew by way of an internet type to allow them to know their visa has expired and they are going to be issued with an extension. No immigration enforcement motion shall be undertaken throughout this time towards those that contact the Home Office.

The Home Office additionally prolonged the in-country switching provisions till July 31, which implies that individuals can apply to modify into long-term visa routes while remaining within the UK.

In mild of the present recommendation on self-isolation and social distancing, the Home Office can also be waiving quite a lot of necessities on visa sponsors, similar to permitting non-EU nationals right here beneath work or examine routes to undertake their work or examine from dwelling.