Foreign nationals affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy will have more time to access leave to remain in the UK, the Home Office has announced.
The policy means individuals directly affected by the Grenfell Tower fire who contact the Home Office via a specified process will be given a 12-month period of limited leave to remain in the UK with full access to relevant support and assistance if they meet the eligibility criteria.
It was due to close to new cases on 31 August but the Home Office confirmed it will be extended until 30 November 2017. The extension will give further opportunity for people to come forward and speak to the department.
Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis said: The welfare of survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire is a priority for this government.
We believe that extending this policy for a further 3 months gives survivors further opportunity to come forward, both to receive support for the exceptionally traumatic events they have experienced and to provide essential first-hand accounts of the fire.
I also hope this extension will help to dispel people’s fears about coming forward to assist the inquiry into this horrific and unprecedented incident due to their immigration status.
The policy is aimed at giving survivors the time they need to deal with the extremely difficult circumstances in which they find themselves and start to rebuild their lives whilst considering their future options, as well as assisting the police and other authorities with their enquiries about the fire.
No immigration checks
A policy on leave to remain outside the Immigration Rules for residents of Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk was introduced in July to ensure victims of the tragedy get the access they need to vital services, irrespective of immigration status.
The Home Office will not conduct immigration checks on survivors and those coming forward to assist the authorities. No fees will be charged by the Home Office in respect of cases granted leave under the policy.
Anyone who believes they are eligible for the scheme can speak face-to-face to a specialist Home Office team at The Curve, 10 Bard Road, Nottingdale, West London, W10 6TP from 10am – 8pm.
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