The British government will not impose any penalties on Kenyan citizens whose visas have expired due to the inconveniences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement released by the Britsh High Commission to Kenya on Friday, March 27, they announced that they would provide temporary visa extensions to those whose visas expired starting January 2020.
"The Kenya High Commission, London wishes to bring to your attention an updated advisory from the UK Home Office following the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic worldwide.
"The British Government has provided temporary visa extension to all foreign nationals in the UK whose visa/ permit had expired since 24th January 2020 and are unable to leave the UK due to Covid-19 travel restrictions," the statement reads.
The commission added that it had noted that it was not only Kenyan citizens but people of different nationalities as well whose stay in the country had been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The pandemic has placed many persons of various nationalities at the risk of overstaying their visa duration in the United Kingdom due to either the requirement to self-quarantine or border closure," the statement reads.
It, however, advised that citizens who were not willing to have their stay extended could opt out of the arrangement by following a set process.
"Individuals whose visas are expiring between 24th January 2020 to 31st May 2020 and do not wish to stay in the UK in the long-term, must contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) by email to advise of their situation," the commission further added.
The commission further added that any such person should furnish the CIT with details including the full name (including any middle names) Date of birth, Nationality, previous visa reference number.
They would also be required to explain why exactly they could not leave for their homes at that particular moment.
"The CIT will update details on the Home Office databases. Individuals will be advised that the Home Office has noted their details; they will not be subject to enforcement action, and this period will not be held against them in future applications," the UK assured.
The UK commission further explained that it had made plans for those who have to be in the UK in the longer term due to commitments such as study and work.
"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 persons on medical visas) 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.
"However, the individuals must meet requirements for the visa/permit for which they are applying, make a valid application, and pay the requisite fees. This will make their stay in UK lawful until the determination of their visa application," the statement concluded.
