Good News For UK Visa Holders of Foreign Nationals Including Indians - Details Here! 

The UK government has issued fresh rules offering a one-month grace period for all expiring or expired visas of foreign nationals, including Indians. This rule is applicable for people who are unable to return to their home countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The grace period has been extended until August 31. As per a NDTV report, the extension was initially announced until May 31 and then extended to July 31.

"As global travel restrictions have started to lift, it is right this generous, but temporary concession, be brought to a close with a month grace period until 31 August to make the necessary arrangements to return home," a UK Home Office spokesperson said.

"Right across the immigration system, this government has introduced measures to help those who have been impacted by global travel and health restrictions throughout this pandemic. This has included providing over 40,000 visa extensions for those whose visas had expired between January 24, 2020, and July 31, 2020, and relaxing the rules on switching in the UK," the spokesperson added.

Other than the one-month grace period, the Home Office also stated that they will keep in place the relaxation of the visa switching rules, so that those who wish to stay in the UK, can submit an application to enable them to do so.

The Home office also pointed out that anyone wanting to remain in the UK long-term should use the grace period to apply for the necessary leave to remain in the UK.

"We recognise that during this period individuals may have overstayed their leave due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, for individuals whose visa or leave expired between January 24, 2020, and July 31, 2020, there will be no future adverse immigration consequences solely on the basis of any periods of overstaying leave that took place between January 24, 2020, and August 31, 2020. We will formalise this specific commitment within the Immigration Rules," a Home Office guidance notes reported. 

The guidance also added that a "compassionate and pragmatic approach" will be taken to allow someone to leave the UK on a later date than August 31, if they are still unable to fly out in time, NDTV further reported. 

However, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has asserted that the visa extensions are a means of giving people "peace of mind" during the lockdown across the world. Amid the outbreak and crisis, many foreign nationals, including Indians, found themselves unable to return home due to flight cancellations and border restrictions.