Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to increase the advice provided on gov.uk for non-Chinese nationals that cannot travel as a result of the covid-19 outbreak but have visitor visas which are due to expire.

Overseas nationals in the UK legally and whose visa expired after 24 January are able to extend their visa if they cannot leave the UK because of restrictions related to coronavirus.

The extension will last until 31 July and will apply to anyone whose leave expired after the 24 January and cannot leave the country because of travel restrictions or self-isolation. To help those who want to apply for visas to stay in the UK long-term, the Home Office is also temporarily expanding the in-country switching provisions until 31 July. Those who have already had their visa extended to 31 May 2020, will have their visa extended automatically to 31 July 2020.

A dedicated help centre has been established for those who need assistance. The best way to contact the helpline is via email on CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk or on 0800 678 1767. It is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Those who contact the Home Office for these visa extensions will be expected to return to their home countries as soon as possible once flight and border restrictions are lifted. More details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-visa-extensions-for-those-unable-to-return-home-due-to-coronavirus.