The UK extends residence permits for foreigners

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of restrictions are imposed on people’s lives. To stop its spread, countries close their land and air borders. Thousands of immigrants are now stuck in foreign countries not able to return home.

Since the beginning of 2020 when the pandemic began, the British government has allowed immigrants to extend their visas under an accelerated procedure. This concession will now be replaced with the Exceptional Assurance.

Exceptional Assurance is a legal mechanism that grants foreign nationals the right to stay in the UK legally until the pandemic ends and the transport links between countries are reinstated.

On 1 March 2021, the Home Office published a document that determined the Exceptional Assurance as a short-term legal protection for foreigners who cannot leave the UK. It helps them avoid negative consequences after their visas expire.

Exceptional Assurance does not grant the same rights as a leave to remain. However, the rights to work, study and rent property, if allowed under the expired visa, will be preserved.

If you want to learn more about the Exceptional Assurance, you can contact Imperial & Legal advisors who will be able to tell you whether you have the right to get and how you can get the Exceptional Assurance. We will take care of all the legal procedures and ensure that all the documents are filled correctly and all the deadlines are met.