A certain statement has been issued by the UK Government on 24 March. It claims that international students unable to return to their home country and are stuck in the UK will benefit from a visa extension until 31 May.
The announcement also made clear that the rule will apply to all those who were gravely impacted because of travel bans or self-isolation. The government considered that students got stuck far from their home country since 24 January.
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Well documented travel of international students is allowed on short notice. But, many still could not make it out of the country either due to the cost of returning home, travel bans or self-isolation.
Now, with the new implementation in process, a new committee has been set up recognized as COVID-19 Immigration team within UKVI. This committee dedicated solely to make the process as straightforward and easy as possible.
Students and people who have been facing severe consequences of the situation, need to contact the UKVI team. They can do that via an email message, and they will extend their Visa if expired.
“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.” This was stated by Priti Patel, Home Secretary of the State.
Social media forums got flooded with students expressing their concern over various issues. Many stressed over what to do with their belongings if they go back home.
The announcement also provided the student community with the privilege to apply to switch routes. E.g., from Tier 4 (student) to Tier 2 (General Worker) while remaining to reside in the UK itself.
The Vice-Chancellor and chief executive of the University of Exeter, Prof. Steve Smith, noted in a webinar organized by Universities UK International that this kept the staff engaged and busy at the moment.
UKVI is always striving through the processing of applications being received for the visa extension and will continue to do so. However, the government also noted that some applications might face some delay due to the current scenario of the State.
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Those having their concern for a visa extension are expected to return to their Home States soon after the border and flight restrictions are uplifted.
In the vague sense of self-isolation and social distancing, which is being advised globally, the Home Minister also imposed specific requirements. The requisites are for those who wish to apply for visa extension such as allowing non-EU nationals to undertake their work or study from home.
Amidst all the disarray across the globe due to the coronavirus outbreak, many have to face severe implications of the same. This includes the international students in the UK who reside there for studies. Students were unable to move out of the country and were kept in self-isolation as a precaution against the deadly virus. A discussion was in process lately on extending the Visa of such students.
