UK expands visa reprieve for COVID-19 stranded foreigners to July 31

London, May 22

The UK authorities on Friday introduced an additional extension of all expiring or expired visas of international nationals, together with Indians, unable to return to their dwelling nations because of the coronavirus pandemic, till July 31.

The extension, initially introduced till May 31, has been prolonged by two months and can apply to anybody whose depart to stay within the UK expired after January 24 and they’re nonetheless unable to go away the nation due to journey restrictions or self-isolation.

“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,” mentioned UK Home Secretary Priti Patel.

“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,” the Indian-origin Cabinet minister mentioned.

The Home Office mentioned that whereas extension is obtainable to assist all who’re unable to get dwelling previous to 31 July, these presently within the UK on short-term visas, reminiscent of customer visas, ought to return dwelling as quickly as it’s secure and attainable to take action. It mentioned {that a} devoted coronavirus immigration staff is constant to work with people to make the method as “straightforward” as attainable.

“Those who contact the Home Office for these visa extensions will be expected to return to their home countries as soon as possible once flight and border restrictions are lifted. No immigration enforcement action will be undertaken during this time for those who email the Home Office as outlined above,” the Home Office mentioned.

“To help those who want to apply for visas to stay in the UK long-term, the Home Office is also extending the in-country switching provisions until July 31,” it added.

This will imply individuals can apply to change into long-term routes while remaining within the UK, normally attainable solely from outdoors Britain.

Many international nationals have discovered themselves unable to return dwelling for the reason that outbreak of coronavirus resulting from flight cancellations and border restrictions.

In mild of the present recommendation on self-isolation and social distancing, the Home Office mentioned it is usually waiving a lot of necessities on visa sponsors, reminiscent of permitting non-EU nationals, together with Indians, right here beneath work or research routes to undertake their work or research from dwelling.

The UK announcement got here because the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Delhi allowed some Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders to have the ability to entry the Air India repatriation flights being scheduled between London Heathrow Airport and varied cities in India.

OCI cardholders with an emergency in India and college college students are amongst those that will now be capable of entry these flights, up to now restricted solely to Indian passport holders. PTI