London: The UK on Tuesday announced that the expiring or expired visas of foreign nationals, including Indians have been extended until May 31.
The development comes after many foreign nationals are stuck in the UK due to travel restrictions owing to the pandemic COVID-19.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said, “The UK continues to put the health and well being of people first and nobody will be punished for circumstances outside of their control.”
“By extending people’s visas, we are giving people peace of mind and also ensuring that those in vital services can continue their work,” said the Indian-origin senior Cabinet Minister.
The extension will apply to anyone whose leave expired after January 24 and who cannot leave the country because of travel restrictions or self-isolation. It will last until May 31 in the first instance but will be kept under regular review in case further extensions are needed, the Home Office said.
“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,” it noted.
“The extension has been put in place to give these individuals peace of mind that they will not be penalised for overstaying their visa when the situation is out of their control due to COVID-19,” the Home Office said.
