After significant pressure, campaigns from Unions and NHS staff and my letter, the Home Secretary has now confirmed that as well as automatic visa extensions granted for health and care workers for a limited time, family members and dependants of healthcare workers who sadly pass away as a result of contracting COVID-19 will be offered indefinite leave to remain.

Anna McMorrin MP said:

“This will come as a great relief to my constituent whose overriding concern was not that he may die from the virus, but that his family may no longer be welcome in the UK if the worst were to happen. Many healthcare workers, like my constituent, are putting their lives on the line everyday. Nobody sacrificing their lives to save others should be worried by this prospect.

Nothing can bring back their loved ones, but I am pleased the Home Secretary has responded appropriately after much persuasion, and families will be spared further turmoil.”