Boris Johnson says UK schools will close until further notice

In recent events, there has been a high increase in the number of people infected with coronavirus in the UK which started in January. The outbreak of this virus started in China and has spread over time to several countries.

As of March 20th, the UK government confirmed about 3,269 cases of people infected with the virus and has recorded 44 deaths. If you are currently living in the UK, it has been advised to take preventive measures in staying safe by washing, sanitizing your hands regularly, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings. The virus is increasing at a fast pace, the right measures should be taken to curb the spread of this virus.

What preventive measures will be taken for schools or students in the UK.

Universities, colleges, and nurseries, the Prime minister, Boris Johnson have ordered schools to be closed till further notice to control and slow down the outbreak of the virus. Although kids are less vulnerable to this virus it is a preventive measure that should be taken.

Exams scheduled to take place in May/ June have been cancelled. However, measures will be taken to ensure students get the qualifications needed for their career.

The government has appealed to schools, both nursery and private schools to be opened for children whose parents are key workers, like NHS staff, police, social care workers looking after the elderly amongst others who might be concerned about their kids when they leave for work, the government also promised financial support where needed including provisions to supply meals and vouchers for children eligible for free meals.

How will closure of schools affect foreign students on Tier 4 visa in the UK

If you are a foreign student living in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, the UKCISA has assured that your wellbeing as a student is their top priority. Due to the closedown of schools and colleges in the UK, colleges and universities will begin to work online excluding staffs as they will have to continue to work for students in their various institutions. To keep in touch with the support staffs of your institution as well as get advice and Information concerning academics will be posted on your institution’s websites. Students living in shared apartments, who might be worried about their health or the health of their housemates if they start showing symptoms of the virus or feeling unwell should contact the staff at their accommodation to inform them of the development or contact the department for education helpline Phone: 0800 046 8687 and Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk. Staffs and parents can also contact the helpline via phone or email.

Will my absence from school be a problem if I leave the UK?

The home office had said earlier that there will be no penalty for education providers whose students are absent from class due to the recent development surrounding the widespread of the virus. Tier 4 sponsors can allow students to continue their studies online by distance learning whether they are outside or inside the UK.

For students who are leaving the UK earlier than expected and intend to return and continue their studies must inform their educational providers to keep them in the loop of your whereabouts and the situation surrounding your travel. If your educational providers can’t be seen or are not available, call, send a message or email. If it is made known that you intend to return for the continuation of your studies your Tier 4 sponsor will not have to report your departure.

When you get a confirmation from your sponsor that your early departure will not be reported to the home office, you should not have complications travelling back to the UK to resume studies.  It is important to travel back before your immigration permission expires.

As a student on a tier 4 visa, will my visa be revoked if I don’t attend classes?

To contain and stop the spread of coronavirus, people living in the UK have been advised to stay indoors and avoid crowded areas. Schools have been ordered to close down till further notice in order to help reduce the spread of this virus. However, most of the international students in the UK are filled with uncertainty concerning their immigration status. For foreign students in the UK who are worried about their visas being revoked as a result of the new rule in the UK which is; everyone living in the UK is expected to self-isolate, maintain social distancing and avoid crowded places, e.g. clubs, restaurants, schools etc. The home office has assured that international students on a Tier 4 visa will not have their visas revoked if they self-isolate and fail to attend classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Although, obtaining a Tier 4 visa as a foreign student has its strict conditions you must abide by, one of which is class attendance. You can have your visa revoked by simply failing to attend classes up to the required amount times needed. 

  Tier 4 visa conditions

Understanding the conditions attached to your Tier 4 visa is very important, more so, breaking the rules or conditions attached to your visa could affect your future immigration plans or need help with our immigration solicitors and your Tier 4 visa leave. The conditions for a Tier 4 visa are;

• If the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is part of your Tier 4 visa application, it is mandatory to put in your application within 28 days. You can seek advice from your institution if this applies to you.
• Working restrictions; there are restrictions on the number of hours and the types of work a Tier 4 visa holder is expected to be involved in. You can get your Tier 4visa revoked and can also be denied entry into the UK for a certain period of time if you exceed the number of hours you are allowed to work.
• You do not have access to some state benefits.
• Registering with the police is given to people with specific nationalities coming into the UK for more than 6 months.
• Inform the Home Office if and when you change your address.
• If there are changes in your circumstances, inform the Home Office those of changes.