Important updates on Expiring UK visas for migrants in the UK
Breytenbachs have good news for persons with expiring UK visas. Migrants who are in the UK, and whose leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 July 2020, will be able to extend their visas.
The UK Government has announced that the visas of such persons will be extended to 31 July 2020, if they cannot leave the UK due to travel restrictions or self-isolation.
If you have already requested your visa to be extended to 31 May 2020, it will automatically extend to 31 July 2020.
Migrants whose visas are extended will be required to return to their home country as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. If you need to extend your visa, or if you have any other questions, please contact us.
Switching to another UK visa
If you are in the UK, and your visa expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 July 2020, it is also possible to apply to switch to a long-term UK visa.
You will also be able to switch to UK visa types that you would normally only have been able to apply for from your home country.
You will have to fulfil all the requirements and pay the visa application fee. The terms of your current leave will remain the same until your application is decided.
If you want to switch to a permanent category of visas, rather than returning to your home country, please contact your Breytenbachs consultant today, to help plan your immigration route.
No Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS workers
UK National Health Service (NHS) staff and care workers from overseas will be relieved to hear that they no longer have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The UK Home Office will make an official announcement on the final details soon. It is believed that the exemption will be granted to all NHS workers, including cleaners, porters, and independent health workers and social care workers.
Breytenbachs will publish the final details as soon as we receive more information. In the meantime, you are welcome to read more on the Immigration Health Surcharge at this link.
Traveller Exemptions from UK Quarantine Rules
From 8 June 2020, all persons arriving in the UK will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Arrivals have to inform the government where they will quarantine. Random checks will be done, and fines will be issued to persons not adhering to quarantine. If travellers are not able to demonstrate where they would self-isolate, they will be required to do so in accommodation arranged by the UK Government, at their own expense.
The quarantine requirement will not apply to persons who are travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
The UK Government has published a list of exemptions for the quarantine requirement. You can find the list here.
