The announcement says that free visa extensions will be granted to frontline health workers in the NHS and the private health sector. Radiographers, midwives, social workers and pharmacists with visas due to expire before October will receive an extension of a year. The NHS Visa extension will be applied to dependent family members too. It builds on last month’s announcement of an ‘NHS Visa’ which applied to NHS doctors, paramedics and nurses. All will be exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge for at the present time.
There are estimated to be approximately 3,000 health and care workers in the UK who originate from overseas –all of whom are vital during the pandemic. They and their families will benefit from this extension. The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said: “We are all incredibly grateful to overseas health and care workers helping us fight this invisible enemy.”
Those who will benefit from the extension are helping to relieve the pressure on the NHS, protecting vulnerable people, and ensuring that the UK’s health sector continues to keep on top of the coronavirus outbreak. The extension is already in effect and will be applied to all visas that have expired or are due to expire from 31 March to 1 October. NHS workers who have already paid for their visa extension within this timeframe are eligible for a refund.
Ms Patel also confirmed that the family members of healthcare workers who pass away or have died after contracting COVID-19 are going to be offered Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
Scarsdale Immigration Solicitors
Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham, Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester and Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale are continually monitoring the evolving COVID19 (Coronavirus) situation and following all guidance and advice that is issued by the NHS, Public Health England and the UK Government. Our Rochdale immigration solicitors, Oldham immigration solicitors and Manchester Immigration solicitors clients can rest assured that we remain open for business to support you at this time.
