Foreigners in the United Kingdom whose visa/permit expired from January 24, 2020, have been granted a temporary extension by the British government.
In a statement posted in Kenya’s High Commission in London website, the British government resorted to this decision following constraints witnessed by foreigners in accessing these services in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
The Mission urged Kenyans living in the UK and those planning on travelling to the country to adhere to the set standards by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the British Government.
“We urge Kenyans living and travelling to the United Kingdom to remain vigilant and adhere to the prescribed precaution and prevention guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK Government.”
The Mission further reiterated that the welfare of Kenyans living in the UK remains a top priority.
Kenyans in the UK who wish to get consular services were asked to seek them online as the Commission closed door on March 17, 2020, to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“All Services, including Consular, will be provided online through www.kenyahighcom.org.uk. For emergency Consular cases, clients are advised to email [email protected] for assistance,” further read the statement.
The Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) will handle issues from those whose visas/permits expire from January 24 to May 31, 2020, and wish to stay in the UK longer.
“For individuals who cannot leave the UK due to travel restrictions or self-isolation and wish to stay in the UK in the long-term (students, employees and person on medical visa) and who would ordinarily need to apply for a visa from their home country, the Home Office will allow in-country application from within the UK,” read the statement.
“However, the individuals must meet requirements for the visa/permit for which they are applying for, make valid application, and pay the requisite fees. This will make their stay in UK lawful until determination of their visa application.”
