By Priti Patel threatened with legal action over visa scheme delays
There have been figures compiled by hosts of Ukrainian refugees, that suggest there were 800 Ukrainian refugees still waiting for visas after applying within the first two weeks of the scheme.
The sponsors under the scheme have threatened the Government with a class action lawsuit, on behalf of Ukrainians who have spent weeks waiting.
They have said there have been “inordinate and unreasonable delays” in processing Visa applications made in March.
The figures were compiled by the matched hosts and shared with the PA news agency, it showed there were around 800 Ukrainian refugees still waiting for visas.
Vigil 4 Visas and Taking Action Over the Homes for Ukraine Visa delays, they have suggested it puts “considerable pressure and strain” on UK hosts.
The lawyers representing the group are planning to send a pre-action protocol letter to the Home Office, they could then apply for a judicial review of the governments visa processing policy.
The PM said the UK could have processed visas for refugees faster.
“Well, we have done a huge amount to help Ukrainian women and children in the area but we’re now seeing large numbers come to the UK.” he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
“So far 86,00 visas have been issued and 27,000 are already here and i want to say ‘thank you’ 27,000 is a lot and it’s growing fast and i want to pay tribute to all those who are helping to look after Ukrainians.
“Could we have done it faster? Yes, perhaps we could.”
The legal letter sent to the Home Office will highlight 10 cases of Ukrainians who are still waiting for their Visas.
