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The United Kingdom has announced to extend visas for the foreign nationals, who are unable to return home from Britain until May 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
British Home Secretary Priti Patel on Tuesday announced that the visa extension will apply to anyone whose leave expired after January 24 and who cannot leave the country because of travel restrictions or self-isolation, according to a press release sent by British High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday, reports BSS.
This visa extension will last until May 31 but to be kept under regular review in case further extensions are needed, said the release.
The UK is one of the oldest and largest destinations for Bangladeshi expatriates, skilled workers and students.
The UK government has formed “COVID-19 immigration team” to make the process as straightforward as possible, said the release.
It said anyone just needs to contact this team, via email address [email protected], to let them know their visa has expired and they will be issued with an extension.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said many foreign nationals have found themselves unable to return home since the outbreak of COVID-19 due to flight cancellations and border restrictions.
“By extending people’s visas, we are giving people peace of mind and also ensuring that those in vital services can continue their work,” said the release quoting Patel.
The UK continues to put the health and wellbeing of people first and nobody will be punished for circumstances out of their control, he added.