By Delays in visa scheme branded ‘disgusting’
The delays in UK’s visa scheme amid the Ukrainian war has been branded “shambolic” by a volunteer ‘house-matching’ refugees.
According to a volunteer, who has been running a social media campaign to connect Ukrainian refugees with potential hosts has called the delays “disgusting” and “shambolic”
Volunteer Sarah Cocks, spends her free time locating homes in the North West of England for those fleeing Russia’s invasion of their home country.
According to Sky News, the people who Sarah has worked with said they have been left in the dark and they have no idea when their visas would be granted.
“I think it’s disgusting, the whole process seems to be fundamentally flawed from start to finish”, she said.
“There are hundreds and thousands of amazing people out there but very little support from the government and the local authorities and it’s just a little bit shambolic”, she added.
It is understood that only 2,700 visas have been granted, despite more than 28,000 applications submitted under the ‘Homes for Ukraine scheme’
The scheme originally opened on 14 March with the hope that charities, individuals, businesses and community groups would house Ukrainians with or without UK family ties.
Sky News reported that whilst other European countries have abolished visas to enter their country, Britain still requires all refugees to possess a visa for security measures.
Despite Sarah Cocks efforts to find a suitable match for a Ukrainian family, they are unable to enter the country until their visas have been granted.
Natali Krynytska fled the war with her daughter and youngest son. They are currently living in a Polish hostel until their visas are granted.
“We have no house in Poland, little money left, three sleep on one bed and our friends sleep on the floor”, she said during a video call.
The Home Office said the total number of applications for Ukrainian refugees wanting to come to the UK hit 59,300.
28,300 applied through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
31,200 applied under the Ukraine Family Scheme allowing Ukrainians to stay with relatives already living in the UK.
Lord Harrington, the Refugees Minister said more needs to be done, but the overall process has improved.
“We are starting to see progress because of changes the Home Office made to streamline the visa process and put additional resources into the system”, he added.
“However, we need to do more and will be making further improvements to bring people to the UK as quickly as possible”
