LONDON — The cultural attaché at the Saudi Embassy in London has warned Saudi students studying at British universities against overstaying their UK visas.

He said the students have the legal right to remain in the UK only until the expiration of their visa and must apply for visa extension before its expiry, according to Al-Hayat newspaper.

The attaché explained that not leaving the UK or not applying for residence extension before the expiration of the visa is a criminal offense as there is no grace period after the expiration of the visa.

He said visa violators would not be able to obtain new visas. Therefore they cannot continue to work or study and will be suspended from university, face bank account closure and lose healthcare benefits.

Overstaying visas will negatively impact

future visa applications in the UK and other countries, unless the reasons listed were of a medical or technical nature, including the suspension of the visa application site or the rejection of an extension request. — SG