Dear Colleague,
The UK is home to a significant number of Chinese nationals studying at our world-leading universities or working in skilled jobs, and Chinese visitors also make a significant contribution to our economy through tourism. The Government greatly welcomes the contribution that Chinese nationals make to the UK.
Many of those individuals may be facing uncertainty, either following the recent expiration of their visa, or as the date on which their visa is due to expire nears, but, through no fault of their own, are unable to apply to extend their visas or to return home.
In order to alleviate their concerns, the Home Office has opened a dedicated Coronavirus Immigration Helpline for Chinese nationals, both overseas and in the United Kingdom. The helpline will be free to call and we will also provide a non-charged email contact point. Chinese-speaking call handlers will be available to offer advice and support. The freephone number is 0800 678 1767, and email contact point is [email protected].
The Home Office will take a proportionate approach to anyone who is unable to comply with the conditions of their visa, apply to extend it or leave before it expires. Due to the developing situation in China and the associated circumstances beyond their control. I want to set out how we will go about this in more detail.
Chinese nationals in the United Kingdom whose visa has recently expired or coming to expiry
The Home Office will be extending the expiry date of the visas for those Chinese nationals whose leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom was due to have expired after 24 January 2020 and before 30 March 2020. Their visas will be extended until 31 March and will be under the same immigration conditions.
There is no requirement for these individuals to do anything to enable this extension. Individuals will not, however, as a matter of course receive a new visa or Biometric Residence Permit card. If proof of status is needed, the helpline can assist with this.
Excluded from this requirement are individuals who have already applied for an extension of leave, as these individuals are already protected. Those who already intend to apply for an extension of stay in the UK before 31 March 2020 should continue to do so.
This protects all the individuals potentially in this position from becoming an overstayer and from any future negative immigration assessment of this period.
Non-Chinese, non-EEA nationals in the United Kingdom normally resident in China
There may be a small number of non-Chinese, non-EEA nationals in the UK who are normally resident in China but cannot currently return there. Individuals in this situation should contact the helpline who will be able to support them on a case by case basis.
Maintaining lawful immigration controls
Whilst we recognise the exceptionality of the situation, it is an essential responsibility of government to promote compliance with our laws and individuals’ conditions of entry to the UK, and secure return, enforced or voluntary, where appropriate, based on the latest country situation in China and any related travel and health advice. These cases will continue to be managed on a case by case basis.
I hope this letter is helpful in setting out our approach, ensuring the provision of support for those who need it, and to provide a proportionate response in line with the current health and travel advice for travelling to China. We will, however, keep our handling of this issue under review as the situation develops.
Yours ever,
Kevin Foster MP
Minister for Immigration
