Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statement by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 19 October, what further information is available regarding (1) the options available to foreign national survivors of the Grenfell disaster to gain permanent residences; (2) who might benefit from any arrangements; (3) how such arrangements will operate; (4) what support and assistance will be provided to those who may avail themselves of such arrangements; and (5) how information about such arrangements is being made available to those who might benefit.

The Government has introduced a dedicated immigration policy for survivors of the Grenfell tragedy. Eligible survivors are granted an initial 12 months’ leave to remain and are then able to extend their leave and qualify for permanent residence after five years’ lawful residence under this policy, subject to meeting security, criminality and fraud checks.

The following groups of individuals are eligible for leave under this policy:

• Those with no immigration status (including those who have entered the UK illegally or have overstayed their visas);
• EEA nationals who are not exercising treaty rights (i.e. not working, studying or self-sufficient, who have not obtained a permanent residence document from the Home Office);
• People from non-EEA countries with limited leave to remain that is about to expire (within 12 months or less);
• Failed asylum seekers with no outstanding further submissions;
• Those refused asylum who are not appeal rights exhausted; and
• People with a current immigration status which is subject to a condition of ‘no recourse to public funds’.

Individuals must have been resident at Grenfell Tower on the date of the fire, or living close to Grenfell Tower and have lost their home permanently.

Individuals who think that they might be eligible should come forward to Home Office staff at The Community Assistance Centre, No 10 Bard Road, Nottingdale, West London, W10 6TP by 30 November 2017 where they will have the opportunity to provide relevant details. Individuals can bring a friend with them and translators are available if needed. The Home Office will then consider whether the individual meets the criteria for the granting of leave.

People can learn more about the scheme by calling 0300 303 2832, 24 hours a day or by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grenfell-tower-fire-handling-immigration-cases for detailed guidance on how cases will be considered.