The situation in Ukraine is developing quickly, and so the Government has to evolve its plans to adapt. I therefore welcome the new expanded Ukrainian Family Scheme which will enable British nationals and Ukrainians already settled in the UK to bring a wider group of family members to the country, extending eligibility to parents, grandparents, adult offspring and siblings. This broadens the original package beyond immediate family members which formed part of the first phase of the Government's humanitarian response. Those joining family in the UK will be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months and will be able to work and access public funds.
I recently spoke in the House about the government being more generous in allowing Ukrainian refugees in the UK. You can read my statement here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2022-03-01/debates/2BD3EE0E-5EF0-42E0-B9BE-3AA0D03BEF86/Ukraine#contribution-6E2FFC5A-22C4-43BF-8C63-65A9B3558ABD
Where family members of British nationals do not meet the usual eligibility criteria - but pass security checks - UK Visas and Immigration will give them permission to enter the UK outside the rules for 12 months and is prioritising those applications.
The Government is also establishing a humanitarian sponsorship pathway, which will open up a route to the UK for Ukrainians who may not have family ties with the UK but who are able to match with individuals, charities, businesses, and community groups. Those who come under this scheme will also be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months and will be able to work and access public services.
Security and biometrics checks, which are a fundamental part of the UK's visa approval process at all Visa Application Centres worldwide, will continue to take place at an accelerated pace on all applications. Given the acute security challenges in Ukraine, Russian efforts to infiltrate and merge with Ukrainian forces, the presence of extremists on the ground and Putin's willingness to use violence on British soil, it is right that the Government continues to protect the public by maintaining these vital checks. This is a policy that has been retained consistently throughout all emergency evacuations, including in Afghanistan.
The Home Secretary has announced changes to the Ukrainian Family Scheme meaning the Government will no longer require Ukrainians with passports to go to a Visa Application Centre to give their biometrics before they come to the UK. Instead, once their application has been considered and appropriate checks have been completed, they will receive direct notification that they are eligible for the Scheme and can come to the UK. In short, Ukrainians with passports will be able to get permission to come to the UK fully online and will be able to give their biometrics once in Britain. I welcome this progress.
