The Good and the Bad on the UK Red-List of Countries.

The Good and the Bad on the UK Red-List of Countries. Image: AdobeStock

The Good and the Bad on the UK Red-List of countries

The decision by the UK Government to place several Southern African countries on their red-list caused a lot of heartache and turmoil. The red-list of countries now includes South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique.

The Good and the Bad on the UK Red-List of Countries.

The Good and the Bad on the UK Red-List of Countries. Image: AdobeStock

Airlines are flying again from Southern Africa to the UK. However, the implication of being placed on the red-list of countries is that travellers from these countries have to adhere to hotel quarantine rules upon arrival in the UK.

You can find out more about these rules at the following link – here.

WORK, STUDY AND SETTLEMENT VISAS GOING AHEAD

The good news is that the UK visas for work, study and settlement routes are still being processed.

Clients can still apply for UK visas to work, study and settle in the UK. Successful applicants will be able to travel to the UK but will have to adhere to the hotel quarantine rules.

Breytenbachs understand the frustration and disappointment regarding the quarantine rules but are hopeful that the UK Government will lift these travel restrictions in the near future.

VISITOR VISAS FOR THE UK

Breytenbachs can confirm that the UKVI is no longer processing visitor visas to the UK from South Africa. It is also no longer possible to enter the UK from Southern Africa as a visitor.

Breytenbachs have sourced the following information from the British High Commission in South Africa and the UKVI on UK Visitor Visas. Note that this information is applicable to applicants from red-list countries.

PERSONS WHO HAVE UK VISITOR VISAS IN PROCESS

Persons who have submitted an application for a UK Visitor Visa before their country was placed on the red-list of countries, and the visa is still in process:

  • The applicant can get their passport back from the Visa Application Centre where they applied, should they wish to get their passport back. 
  • All current Visitor Visa applications will remain live on the system. Once the UK changes their policy on UK Visitor Visas from Southern African countries,  they will start processing it again.

PERSONS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THEIR UK VISITOR VISAS AND HAVE NOT TRAVELLED TO THE UK YET

  • Persons who have received their UK Visitor Visa, will not be able to use it to travel to the UK as a visitor. However, should the rules change and your Visitor Visa is still valid, you will be able to use it.
  • The UK Visitor Visa will remain valid for multiple journeys for six months. Or the duration you have applied for.
  • Unfortunately, the UKVI will not refund or extend any Visitor Visas that have already been processed and issued.
  • The British High Commission in SA advises that applicants can ask their travel insurer about reclaiming the cost of the UK Visitor Visa.

HOW BREYTENBACH CAN HELP YOU

If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch with your Breytenbachs consultant. However, Breytenbachs recommend that clients speak to their relevant airline or travel agent for specific advice on their travel arrangements, as we cannot advise on this.

We reiterate that we are still able to assist clients from Southern Africa with visa applications to work, study and settle in the UK. Get in touch with your Breytenbachs consultant today. To proceed with your application or for more information, email us at info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.