Thank you to everyone who has emailed me about Anugwom Izuchukwu Goodluck.

I understand that an extension to Mr Goodluck’s visa has now expired and that current Immigration Rules mean he is required to voluntarily leave the UK.

Earlier this year, the Home Office announced that those with visas due to expire after 24 January 2020 could apply to extend their leave to stay in the UK until 31 July 2020. This was due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, recognising that travel restrictions and requirements to self-isolate.

The Government has said that, now travel restrictions are lifting globally, people will no longer be able to extend their visas automatically on this basis and should leave the UK when it is possible to do so. Alternatively, people should apply to regularise their stay in the UK. I understand that an application by Mr Goodluck to do this was rejected by the Home Office earlier this year.

The Home Office has recently said that those with the visa extension that expired on 31 July will be able to stay in the UK until 31 August 2020 to allow time to make the necessary arrangements for their departure from the UK.

I appreciate that this will understandably be an upsetting time for Mr Goodluck and his friends and family. I know that there has been a strong display of public opinion on this case, demonstrated by a Change.org petition that has gathered over 22,000 signatures.

I believe our immigration system must be fair and I will continue to monitor the Government’s treatment of migrants throughout the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.