In order to stop the COVID-19 epidemic, severe travel restrictions have been put in place all around the world. The extension is intended to give foreign people who are unable to return home owing to these limitations some much-needed respite.
People in the UK whose visas expired after 24 January can request an extension until 31 May by sending an email to CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk. We’ll keep an eye on this deadline in case we need to extend it further. Additionally, the UK is temporarily extending its in-country switching rules. This will allow individuals to seek to change their immigration status while still in the UK, for example, from Tier 4 (student) to Tier 2 (General Worker).
Nobody will be punished for events beyond their control, according to Home Secretary Priti Patel, and the UK continues to prioritize the health and well-being of individuals. By extending visas, we provide people peace of mind and make sure individuals who work in essential services can continue doing so.
Jan Thompson, the interim high commissioner to India, remarked “I am quite conscious of how dreadful the current situation is for travellers unable to return home.” The numerous Indian nationals who are now living in the UK will perhaps feel more at ease after hearing this information. My team and I are working round-the-clock in India to ensure that British people who want assistance are receiving it.
Indian nationals in the UK
If a person’s visa expires after January 24, they must send an email to CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk to request an extension. Emails should include the person’s name, their prior visa reference number, and the circumstances behind why they are unable to return. Please call the free hotline at 0800 678 1767 if you have any questions (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm).
