In our previous blog posts we have addressed how the government has been adapting UK immigration laws & policy to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One measure taken was to provide for the ‘automatic’ extension (in inverted commas, because those affected still needed to submit a request for an extension) of visas expiring from March to July 2020. This meant that those who had visas expiring in this period could fill out an online form and have their visas automatically extended until 31st July 2020.
Now, it seems that this concession is coming to an end and is unlikely to be extended further. At a session of the House of Commons Public Affairs Committee held on 13th July 2020, a senior member of Home Office said:
“…it is not our intention at the moment to provide any further extension. We will of course continue to look at more information that comes forward on a case by case basis, but we are not at the moment intending to do a blanket further extension.”
This change in position, although not yet officially announced, has significant consequences for those whose visas were extended under the concession in place between March and July. It means that their visas will expire on 31st July 2020 and that they need to make applications for further leave to remain before the 1st August 2020.
It is not yet clear whether there will be a simplified process for doing this, as there was between March and July 2020. We will all need to watch this space closely over the next 10 days. The best way forward will not be the same for every individual. However, it is absolutely essential that those who are affected by this situation do something about it before 31st July 2020 or they will face the possibility of becoming overstayers.
At Elaahi & Co Solicitors, we specialise in understanding complex legal rules and providing you with clear, straightforward advice on how they apply to your case. If you need advice on what, on the particular facts of your case, you need to do to ensure that you do not become an overstayer after 31st July 2020, contact our our expert team of immigration lawyers a call on 020 3930 3831. We are here to help you.
