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Ukraine: Urgent Refugee Applications
08 March 2022
Lead MP
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ImmigrationUkraineEmployment
Other Contributors: 50
At a Glance
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown raised concerns about ukraine: urgent refugee applications in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Asked for a statement on how the Home Department can speed up urgent refugee applications coming from those leaving Ukraine, highlighting concerns about processing times and security checks.
Stated that over 10,000 applications have been submitted under the new scheme with over 500 visas issued. Emphasised the need for security checks due to incidents of false documentation and potential threats from Russia.
North Cotswolds
Acknowledged the government's efforts but called for faster processing, suggesting methods such as reusing biometric data. Asked about establishing a presence in Calais to process applications.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Critiqued the Home Office's handling of refugee processing, highlighting delays and miscommunications. Called for emergency visa centres at major travel points and immediate issuance of visas based on security checks.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Pressed for clarification regarding the status of a visa centre in Calais, noting previous incorrect statements from the Home Secretary. Advocated for visa waivers to allow immediate entry for Ukrainian passport holders.
Stuart McDonald
Lab
N/A
Agrees with the right hon. Member for North Thanet and calls for scrapping the current visa bureaucracy to help refugees from Ukraine quickly and safely. Criticises the Home Secretary's approach, highlighting inconsistencies in family reunification rules and questioning the justification of security concerns under the Nationality and Borders Bill.
Kevin Foster
Con
N/A
Defends the government's handling of evacuations from Kabul, emphasising that security checks are necessary. Acknowledges steps being taken to speed up processing for refugees, including the humanitarian sponsorship scheme and biometric checks.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Urges the Minister to move at a faster pace regarding the humanitarian sponsorship visa scheme, particularly concerning those without passports or who are undocumented. Criticises the lack of clarity from the Home Office.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Expresses frustration with the confusion regarding legal options for humanitarian routes for Ukrainian refugees, questioning why a statement was not issued instead of an urgent question.
Peter Bone
Con
N/A
Questions whether most visa processing should be done near the Ukrainian border and inquires about UK presence and capacity in Moldova to process visas for Ukrainians seeking refuge.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Critiques the Minister's initial response as inadequate and embarrassing, questioning why the UK seems uniquely challenged compared to other European countries in processing visas for Ukrainian refugees.
Andrea Leadsom
Con
N/A
Praises the breadth of support offered by the UK Government but expresses concern over the speed of visa processing and family reunification, particularly citing personal cases in her constituency.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Highlights criticism towards the slow and shambolic process for Ukrainian refugee visas, questioning why biometric tests cannot be done on the spot to expedite the process.
Damian Green
Con
N/A
Presses the Minister for a timeline regarding the humanitarian sponsorship route's opening and questions the necessity of conducting biometric checks in Ukraine instead of upon arrival in the UK.
Stated that applicants in safe countries can apply without needing to stay in Ukraine. Emphasised no use of immigration detention powers during checks. Mentioned surging staff and resource, considering waiving biometric requirements for children, adapting the UK Immigration: ID Check app for Ukrainian passports.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Described chaos at a visa centre in Poland, where an 81-year-old woman and others were turned away despite the availability of space inside. Questioned the government's response to such situations.
Suggested using technology like the UK Immigration: ID Check app to expedite visa applications for Ukrainians with biometric passports, similar to the process used for Hong Kong applicants.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Highlighted the willingness of the British people and local governments to welcome Ukrainian refugees but criticised the Minister's reluctance to adopt a more welcoming system for all Ukrainians.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Asked about the number of new decision-makers being trained today and sought details on discussions with retired officials and other government departments for assistance in processing visa applications.
Provided an example of a constituent's wife struggling to enter the UK due to issues with biometric appointments, highlighting delays and technical problems at the visa application centre.
Mark Harper
Con
Ashford
Called for urgent action on the humanitarian sponsorship scheme, urging the Minister to commit to an update by Thursday. Emphasised the need for speed in processing applications given the crisis situation.
Expressed shame at the perceived lack of urgency and progress from government officials regarding the Ukrainian refugee crisis, calling for immediate action to welcome refugees.
Acknowledged helpful advice provided by officials but questioned the availability of biometric appointments in Rzeszów, Poland. Sought confirmation that testing will indeed be available as advised.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Called for a clear and simple process for people seeking asylum, emphasising the need for immediate aid before refugees reach borders. Highlighted urgent humanitarian needs such as food, transportation, healthcare, and mental health support.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Compared Ireland's commitment to take 100,000 refugees from Ukraine with the UK's lack of similar action. Highlighted the disparity in population and response between the two countries.
The Minister provided updates on the current state of the Ukrainian family route and sponsorship scheme, highlighting that around 100,000 people are potentially eligible for the family route, which has an unlimited position. He mentioned that nearly 500 visas had been granted by 9:30 AM on a specific day, and more were being processed daily.
The Member raised concerns about the assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees who have fled without documents or papers. He emphasised the need for Christian compassion in response to the crisis.
The Member criticised the slow progress of the family scheme and the lack of readiness for the humanitarian sponsorship scheme. He urged for a simple online gateway for constituents willing to help, emphasising that people's desire to contribute is hindered by bureaucratic processes.
The Member expressed frustration over the slow pace and limited availability of appointments in Poland for Ukrainian refugees seeking to join their families. He asked for details regarding staff deployment and operational capacity at various visa application centres.
The Member highlighted the limitations and slowness of the schemes compared to previous refugee resettlement efforts, like the Afghan scheme. She questioned the Minister's engagement with Welsh Government and local authorities regarding the sponsorship information and availability.
The Member suggested setting up a portal or clearing house for offers of accommodation to ensure basic safety checks are in place before vulnerable individuals accept such offers.
The Member raised concerns about reports of refugees from BAME backgrounds being turned away at the Ukrainian border, emphasising that race and ethnicity should not affect who is allowed to leave Ukraine or enter safe countries.
The Member expressed worries over contradictory advice given to constituents regarding their ability to bring children into the UK under pre-settled status. He escalated his query to the Minister for further clarification.
The Member inquired about the delay in setting up a community sponsorship scheme, drawing attention to the lengthy process involved and questioning how this new scheme would be different to meet urgent needs.
Alun Cairns
Con
Vale of Glamorgan
Recognises the Government's support but highlights the struggles faced by refugees and constituents, asking for consideration on extending expired biometric assessments.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
Critiques the current approach as mean-spirited and suggests following Europe’s lead in offering visa-free entry to Ukrainian refugees.
James Grey
Con
North Wiltshire
Highlights difficulties faced by individuals trying to apply for visas, urging simplification of the process without going as far as a visa waiver.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Raises concern about vulnerable women and children in war zones, asking why it is difficult for them to get a visa to join their relatives in the UK.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Praises constituents’ efforts but criticises Home Office’s slow reaction, urging immediate action to process refugees swiftly.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Expresses frustration over the lack of urgency and compassion from the Government, inquiring about visa application centre closures.
Felicity Buchan
Con
South Shields
Encourages further examination into electronic solutions for processing biometric records to expedite refugee applications.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Questions the Government's priorities and urges them to allow refugees to come first and do security checks later, highlighting the trauma and financial difficulties faced by refugees.
Siobhan Baillie
Con
Stroud
Raises concerns about pregnant women in Ukraine and asks for confirmation that all biometric options will be considered to speed up processes and ensure timely information delivery.
Minister responded to concerns about biometric requirements for under-18s and expressed the government's intention to open a centre in Lille, and expand electronic means of visa application. He emphasised that basic security checks are necessary while acknowledging constituents' offers of support.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Critiqued the government's response to Ukrainian refugees, questioning why families had to travel to Brussels or Paris for unspecified reasons and demanding clarity on financial and transport support provided by the Government.
Expressed frustration over Home Office bureaucracy slowing down the process of welcoming Ukrainian refugees. Urged the government to move faster in processing applications, highlighting offers of help from his constituents.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Questioned the Home Office's delay in approving sponsorship visas for Ukrainian refugees through charities like New Beginnings. Sought clarification on when these sponsorships would be approved.
Praised his community’s willingness to support Ukrainian refugees and urged the Minister to increase staffing at visa centres, opening them 24/7 to facilitate faster processing of visas for refugees.
Raised a specific case where constituents were wrongly advised by the Home Office helpline, leading to unnecessary delays in securing a spousal visa. Demanded timely resolution and safe passage for her constituent’s family back to Glasgow.
Asked about humanitarian corridors out of Kharkiv and sought clarification on whether the family sponsorship route could be transferred to someone very close but not strictly qualifying under the scheme.
Provided a live example highlighting the chaos in visa application process, with constituents waiting for days for decisions and facing unreasonable requests like bank details from Ukraine. Demanded immediate action to address these issues.
Government Response
Emphasised ongoing efforts to speed up processing times and enhance security measures. Announced plans to establish a presence in Lille within the next 24 hours to help refugees in northern France. Defends security measures and acknowledges steps to speed up visa processing, including expanding caseworking teams and extending leave provisions. Provided detailed responses addressing each question raised by MPs, including looking into specific examples of visa centre issues, surging staff and resource for quicker processing, considering waiving biometric requirements for children, adapting the UK Immigration: ID Check app for Ukrainian passports, and committing to an update on humanitarian sponsorship scheme. The Minister addressed various queries regarding eligibility criteria, bureaucratic processes, deployment of staff in visa application centres, community sponsorship schemes, safety checks for accommodation offers, and contradictory advice provided to constituents. Acknowledges the challenges faced by refugees and constituents, outlines ongoing efforts to simplify the application process and extend entitlements. Reiterates the importance of basic security checks before allowing entry. Responded to concerns by emphasising the government's commitment to processing applications rapidly while ensuring security checks are conducted thoroughly. Acknowledged delays and expressed willingness to review specific cases for appropriate handling.
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