Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department is taking steps to support people applying for settlement via the UK Ancestry route who miss the deadline to renew their permission due to complex personal circumstances, such as health issues.

The Government expects individuals to make any application to extend their stay or settle in the UK before their existing permission expires. Decisions on immigration applications are made in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

The Immigration Rules contain provisions under which periods of overstaying may be disregarded in certain circumstances. Where relevant, decision-makers will consider all available evidence provided by an applicant, including information relating to serious health issues or other compelling circumstances. Applicants seeking settlement on the UK Ancestry route must continue to meet all applicable requirements of the Immigration Rules.