Biometrics when outside the UK

[sagan]

Applied: 20/06/2017
Request for Biometrics: 27/06/2017
Deadline for biometrics: 18/07/2017
Hi, I saw another thread for applications outside the UK, however, just want to be more specific. My wife, who applied with me left to go back to South Africa for a visit, her mom is not well and she needs to be temporily home for a while. She is scheduled to return to UK on 3 August, which exceeds the 15 working day deadline for submission. We live in the UK and will after citizenship, this is just a visit.
They do state she should send an email stating that she is away and maybe attached the return ticket to prove she is out the country temporarily.
Anyone had any experience with Biometrics extension?
Will it delay the applciation?
Will UKVI understand and grant extension?
Thanks

[alterhase58]

If you don't submit biometrics on the first invite you will/should get a reminder letter giving you another 10 days to submit (from date of that letter). Otherwise the application is treated as invalid and fee returned less an admin charge. I would certainly send the email explaining the situation. No personal experience of this - maybe others on here can also comment.

[sagan]

Thanks alterhase
Just want to bump this and update.
I did my Biometrics yesterday (Tues 11/07/17), my wife is still in SA. The guy, who seemed knowledgeable, allayed my fears, saying UKVI could take 21 days to return an email, which I sent Monday 03/07/17, and that I would be okay (i.e. they wouldn't cancel the application), since I have informed them of the situation.
Anyone know of a tel number for the Biometrics team at UKVI I can maybe try call?