Visa extension for return to Ebola infected region?

[YellowYeti]

I have my mum-in-law over at the moment on a 6 month 'family visit' visa, from West Africa, due to return September.

She lives in the middle of the Ebola infected area, so physically getting back home is going to be tricky, never mind the fact that we don't really want to send an old lady into the middle of a dangerous disease outbreak.

We want to extend her visa - hopefully 6 months will see some improvement to the region. We don't really want to apply for permanent residency for her, just to delay her return.

The Visa agency website isn't being much help, but there must be a few people with similar problems at the moment?

Any ideas how to proceed?

[ban.s]

also see --> https://www.gov.uk/family-visit-visa/extend-your-visa

[YellowYeti]

Yes, unfortunately this has:

You can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months.

If your original visa is for less than 6 months, you can only extend it to the maximum of 6 months.

She had a visa granted April -> October, but didn't travel to the UK until late July. I think the above means that she can't extend it past October?

[ban.s]

You can postpone her travel date from Sep to Oct (visa expiry date) for a start.

Then submit extension application prior to the visa expiry on a basis on Ebola outbreak situation. Submit latest travel advice from FCO and govt advice of the Ebola effected country.
During Syria crisis, UKBA offered concessions to the immigration rules for Syrian nationals lawfully in the UK. I haven't seen any such information on Ebola but if you are able to provide strong supporting documents justifying the extension you may get a favourable / discretionary decision.

[YellowYeti]

You can postpone her travel date from Sep to Oct (visa expiry date) for a start.

Then submit extension application prior to the visa expiry on a basis on Ebola outbreak situation. Submit latest travel advice from FCO and govt advice of the Ebola effected country.
During Syria crisis, UKBA offered concessions to the immigration rules for Syrian nationals lawfully in the UK. I haven't seen any such information on Ebola but if you are able to provide strong supporting documents justifying the extension you may get a favourable / discretionary decision.

Thanks Is this just done as a letter to the Visa & immigration service? Their website is pretty unhelpful for anything outside a 'standard' format - to the point of hiding any contact addresses very successfully!

As the airline booked for her return journey (BA) has now suspended all flights, postponing her travel date shouldn't be too hard, I guess that, and the travel restrictions within the country, are all evidence I can produce in support.

[ban.s]

Take a look at the link I posted earlier. You'll find necessary forms and guideline.

You can provide any additional information/justification in the Section 8B of the form (or can attach additional documents).
If BA has suspended flights to the destination country and that suspension remains in Sep/Oct, then definitely it'll strengthen the case.