The Immigration Minister says no immigrants on temporary visas have been approved for a benefit yet.

The Government’s weighing up how to support immigrants on temporary visas left out of pocket during the lockdown.

Newly relaxed rules mean foreign workers can increase their working hours and transfer across departments in current workplaces.

Minister Iain Lees-Galloway told Mike Hosking benefits could still be a possibility.

He says a new notice does give the option of paying benefits to temporary workers, but they haven't yet triggered that option.

Lees-Galloway says it could be in the form of direct support for accommodation or food, rather than a direct payment to their bank account.

All temporary visas expiring between now and mid-July are being automatically extended until September.

LISTEN ABOVE