The UK government on Friday has announced a further extension of all expiring/expired visas of foreign nationals, including Indians who are unable to return their home countries due to the coronavirus pandemic, until July 31.
The extension, however, initially announced till May 31, has been extended by two more months and will apply to anyone whose leave to remain in the UK expired after January 24 and they are still unable to leave the country because of travel restrictions or self-isolation.
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said, "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."
"As we begin a cautious return to normality those currently in the UK on expired visitor visas should return home as soon as possible," Priti Patel said.
The Home Office said that while extension is offered to help all who are unable to get home prior to 31 July, those currently in the UK on temporary visas, such as visitor visas, should return home as soon as it is safe and possible to do so. It said that a dedicated coronavirus immigration team is continuing to work with individuals to make the process as "straightforward" as possible.
"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 said.
"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 mean people can apply to switch into long-term routes whilst remaining in the UK, usually possible only from outside Britain.
In another travel related decision made by the UK Home office, it has been decided that anyone travelling to the country from June 8 would need to self-isolate for 14 days in a location of their choice or the "facilities arranged by the government".
People will also be encouraged to download the NHS Covid-19 app to be used during the duration of their stay. Anyone not following the mandatory conditions of self-isolation will be fined £1000 or prosecution and unlimited fine and the last resort is "removal from the country."
Once self-isolation is complete, people should follow the current government guidelines on social distancing measures.