Visa Scheme for Palestinian Refugees 2024-04-15
2024-04-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the merits of a visa scheme for Palestinian refugees, specifically those in Gaza.
If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a visa scheme for Palestinian refugees. Most people find that to apply to most decisions made by the Home Office. Is it not also irrational and unreasonable for the UK to offer humanitarian visas to people from Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan but not those fleeing Gaza?
We are all concerned about the plight of those living in Gaza. Currently, we are not considering establishing a separate route for Palestinians. In any humanitarian situation, the UK must consider its resettlement approach in the round, rather than on a crisis-by-crisis basis.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific merit assessment and comparison with other countries' visa policies
Not Considering Establishing A Separate Route For Palestinians
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the Home Office's decision to require biometric data from people in Gaza, noting that it is irrational and unreasonable.
It is not surprising that the upper tribunal found the decision to require biometric data for people from Gaza to be 'irrational and unreasonable'. Is it not also irrational and unreasonable for the UK to offer humanitarian visas to people caught up in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan but not those fleeing Gaza?
I will not give a running commentary on ongoing litigation. We are supporting British nationals with dependants in Gaza, working in collaboration with Foreign Office colleagues. The dynamic is different due to the right of return and other factors.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether it is irrational and unreasonable to deny humanitarian visas to Gazans
Not Give A Running Commentary On Ongoing Litigation
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the petition 'Gaza Families Reunited' with over 100,000 signatures requesting a visa scheme. She points out the Catch-22 situation faced by Gazans.
Gaza Families Reunited's petition for a Palestinian family visa scheme has garnered 100,000 signatures. Gazans face a cruel and irrational situation: they cannot cross to Egypt due to lack of visas, biometrics not registered, unable to get to a visa application centre in Egypt. The Government can waive the requirement but refuses. Why?
Security of the system is imperative, and we must act according to requirements. I will not comment on ongoing litigation but will continue working with Foreign Office colleagues. Elements of the peace process are at play in relation to these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Why the government won't waive biometric requirement for Gazans
Not Comment On Ongoing Litigation
Response accuracy