The UK government has published ‘last-minute’ guidance for individuals who are unable to leave the UK by 31 July 2020. The additional extension is termed a ‘grace period’, which means that individuals will not be penalised if they have overstayed their visa between 24 January 2020 to 31 August 2020.
The guidance states that those intending on leaving between 31 July 2020 to 31 August 2020 do not need to request an extension.
However, if you are unable to leave by 31 August 2020, you must request an extension through the Home Office Coronavirus Immigration Team. This additional time to stay (beyond 31 August) will be known as an ‘exceptional indemnity’ protecting the individual from any adverse actions or consequences as a result of an expired visa.
If applying for an ‘exceptional indemnity’, the individual must provide detailed reasons of why they are unable to leave the UK by this date and provide supporting evidence for this request.
If you decide to switch to a long-term visa, where you previously would have been required to apply from outside the UK, you may now do so until 31 August 2020.
The Clarkslegal Immigration Team has been assisting individuals and organisations throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. If you have an immigration query, please contact the team.