24 Jul 2020

Kiwi stuck in London forced to overstay visa

From Morning Report, 6:37 am on 24 July 2020

A New Zealander living in London says she's been forced to overstay her visa, after having her flight back home cancelled three times.

The UK Government issued visa extensions to all overseas nationals whose visas ran out from late January onward until 31 July.

Another announcement from the Home Office is expected before then, with many hoping it will be another extension, but no such guarantees have been given.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade say they are aware of the visas expiring, and the High Commission in the UK has raised it with the Home Office.

They're also urging New Zealanders to ensure they're out of the country before their visa expires, or otherwise it could jeopardise any future travel plans.

London based New Zealander Ximena Smith told RNZ reporter Harry Lock, she has little option, after having flights initially booked for late July cancelled multiple times.