Sudanese evacuees in the UK fear limbo as six-month visas begin to expire

British nationals climb on to an RAF aircraft at Wadi Seidna airbase in Khartoum, Sudan, as part of the evacuation in April following the country’s descent into civil war. Photograph: PO Phot Arron Hoare/PA

People who were evacuated to the UK from war-torn Sudan fear they will be left in limbo when their six-month visas begin to expire this week. Evacuees, who have been living in hotels or with family members since April, say they have received no information from the Home Office about their future status.

“I’m worried that on 26 October I finish the six months and if nothing happens with my visa and there’s no extension I’ll become an illegal immigrant,” said Azza Ahmed, who was a university lecturer in the capital, Khartoum, and is now living in a hotel in London with her son.