MPs call for free visa extensions

MINISTERS are facing renewed calls from MPs to grant free visa extensions to all non-British NHS and social care workers.

The cross-party Commons Home Affairs Committee said it was “unfair” that some of the lowest-paid workers were facing charges of thousands of pounds to stay in the country while others were not.

The committee welcomed the government’s decision to give free one-year visa extensions to NHS and social care workers in medical roles during the coronavirus outbreak.

However, it said that the offer should be extended to cover all staff working in the sector.

“Excluding care workers and lower-paid NHS staff from the fee-free visa extension is unfair and fails to recognise the scale of their contribution to the UK fight against Covid-19,” the committee said.

“Many of the excluded NHS employees – who include hospital porters, cleaners and administrative staff – are providing essential services to the NHS and its patients at this most trying time.

“They are also more likely to be in lower-paid job roles, meaning that the necessity of paying visa renewal fees is a much greater financial burden.”