The British government announced on Thursday that it would facilitate the entry of Ukrainian refugees into the United Kingdom with a passport from next week, after much criticism over the complexity of the procedures.
“As of Tuesday, I can announce that Ukrainians with passports no longer have to visit the processing center Visas for providing biometric data before coming to the UK, ”British Home Secretary Priti Patel told parliament. Website.
??? I have announced changes to make the Ukraine family plan quick and easy.
From Tuesday, Ukrainian passport holders will not have to go to the Visa Application Center to provide their biometrics before arriving here.
Major security checks will continue in all cases. pic.twitter.com/G8hfEeQCNQ
– பிரிதி படேல் (pritipatel) March 10, 2022
The United Kingdom has opened two avenues for refugees: the reunification of families with Ukrainians living in the country or the entry of family members of British nationals living in Ukraine.
London estimates it could welcome hundreds of thousands of people.
Refugees do not need a visa Unlike the European Union (EU), the British government has insisted that their biometric data be collected first to verify their identities before being allowed to enter, citing security reasons. The accumulation of cases and the delay and complexity of the process provoked harsh criticism.
Priti Patel said this on Thursday Visa application centers will now focus on helping Ukrainians without passportsHolders of passports can obtain entry permits online.
“Once the application is considered and the relevant checks are completed, they will be notified directly that they are eligible for the program and may come to the UK,” the minister said.
In recent days, the The government said it had issued 850 visas out of a total of 22,000 refugee applications There are reports in the media about Ukrainians, difficulties in filling out forms and lack of information about the functioning of the centers.
The small country of Ireland has already accommodated more than 2,000 Ukrainian refugees.
Preity Zinta announced in parliament that she would open a temporary center in Calais, in northern France, where hundreds of Ukrainians had gathered, but the purpose was not confirmed and people were sent to services in Paris.
Although he welcomed the announcement, The The British Labor Party called the government’s response to the humanitarian crisis a “complete disgrace.” With the Russian invasion of Ukraine imminent, it had “weeks, if not months” to prepare for it.
“It’s a shame that vulnerable people are being pushed out when they need to. We’ve seen this happen week after week. It’s very wrong to leave people in this horrible situation.
