The Kenya High Commission, London wishes to bring to your attention an updated advisory from the UK Home Office, following the outbreak of Corona virus (COVID-19) epidemic worldwide which has placed many persons of various nationalities at the risk of overstaying their visa duration in the United Kingdom due either the requirement for self-quarantine or border closure.
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.
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 and provide the following information: -
The CIT email is: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk
The CIT will update details on 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.
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.
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.
The Home Office will allow this for persons whose visa/permits has expired between 24th January 2020 to 31 May 2020. This includes persons who have already had their visa/leave auto-extended to 31st March, 2020.
Many of the UKs Visa Application Centers (VACs) outside the United Kingdom are currently closed while those opened are offering a limited service. For information on visa application services in each country, applicants should access the relevant commercial partner:
For applicants from Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East, visit: uk.tlscontact.com
For other countries visit: vfsglobal.co.uk
All Services at our London Mission, including Consular, will be provided online through our website - www.kenyahighcom.org.uk.
For emergency Consular cases, clients are advised to email immigration@kenyahighcom.org.uk for assistance or contact:
Emergency Consular/Immigration contact +44 7979 973 794
Emergency Duty Officer contact +44 7423 840 893
