Palestinians: Visa Scheme

The Foreign Secretary has called the situation in Gaza unimaginable, yet the Government are not offering refuge for Palestinians left in Rafah. The constituents expect compassion from their Government and a family visa scheme is vital.

Called for a Gaza families reunion scheme to allow Palestinians in Gaza to safely reunite with family members in the UK. Emphasized that more than 3,000 constituents have written about the need for aid and ceasefire. Described the plight of Sama, whose father has a severe heart condition without access to medication due to the war in Gaza.

Despite Orkney and Shetland not having the same ethnic diversity, I have received overwhelming emails supporting a visa scheme for Palestinians in harm's way.

The MP challenges the government's claim that their migration policy is popular, citing hundreds of petition signatures in his constituency. He also mentions local refugee organisations like Ukrainian open house and West London Welcome supporting refugees from Ukraine and other groups. Slaughter calls for an explanation on why the situation with Palestinians differs from Ukrainians.

Western supported the idea of a bespoke scheme for Palestinians and suggested looking at policies adopted by other countries, like Canada's approach to family reunion visas. He proposed that all Palestinians should have an even basis to leave Gaza for safety in the UK.

Given that the Prime Minister only has to give a month's notice before a general election and we are expecting that the Labour party will be in power, I am waiting to hear answers to my questions. Assuming Labour gets into power, I want reassurance on their stance.

The plight of Palestine refugees remains one of the longest unresolved refugee crises, with ongoing indiscriminate bombing turning a chronic humanitarian crisis into a catastrophe. There is no safe route for Palestinians to reach sanctuary in the UK despite family ties.

The Member highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting nearly 30,000 deaths, over 75,000 injuries, more than $18.5 billion worth of damage to critical infrastructure, and over 1.5 million displaced people. The Home Office's policy regarding biometric data for Palestinian refugees was criticised as punitive and ignorant, with at least two Palestinians dying while waiting for decisions on their applications.

Mr Lake intervened, arguing that the Minister's statement about threats and dangers facing civilians in Rafah makes a compelling case for introducing a Gaza family visa scheme to help British Palestinians reunite with their relatives.

Current system is not working because biometrics enrolment at visa application centre in Gaza is impossible, leading to a Catch-22 situation. There should be a bespoke family reunion scheme for Palestinians.

Between the synagogues, mosques and churches in our constituencies we see an incredible extension of community and heart coming from different faith communities. They promote togetherness and approach problems from a community point of view. My hon. Friend questions the lack of respect shown by the mission in Jerusalem towards MPs, highlighting it as unusual to not receive a reply from them. There are 17,000 orphans in the region, indicating an extreme situation that requires a special visa scheme due to our historic ties with the area.

My constituents have written to me asking why there is a scheme for Ukrainians but not for Palestinians. They are concerned and need an explanation from the Government.

The UK Government's view on Palestinian lives is concerning when compared to other nationalities. Intervenes to express agreement with the points made by the lead MP regarding the lack of safe pathways and the immediate priority for Palestinians in Gaza.

Supports her colleague's call for a proper assessment of why there is no family reunion scheme in place for Palestinians, referencing the successful approach taken with Ukrainians.

Mr Galloway criticised the UK government's stance on Palestinian visa schemes, highlighting Israel's seizure of Rafah crossing and its impact on Gaza. He pointed out that British components are in Israeli ordnance and that the UK has flown spy missions from a sovereign base in Cyprus. Mr Galloway called for the Government to support Palestinians by allowing biometric tests at the border.

Hussain referred to the international rules-based order being disregarded by Israel's actions and called for a response from the government acknowledging the shame this causes. He also pointed out that double standards are evident in debates about visa schemes. Mr Hussain argued that current restrictions on Palestinians trying to leave Gaza for safety are so stringent that they effectively prevent people from accessing necessary documents, similar to issues faced by Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar.

Requests clarity on how a constituent's parents can apply for visas after their current ones expire, given the absence of functioning visa centres in Gaza.

My constituents have resettled doctors who came as family members of British Gazans during the war, showing the open-hearted nature of help for those families. The concern is not about resources but about the lack of a visa scheme despite the need. I noted that family reunification usually involves immediate family members but highlighted the case of orphans in Gaza who have no such connections and may need to rely on extended family members for support. The MP intervened, asking about the costs and details of bringing Gazan Palestinian constituents out during the initial phase of the conflict compared with the scheme for those in Israel.

I am concerned about the situation of Palestinians in Gaza, especially those with families in the UK. The British Government's response to this crisis is inadequate and fails to meet its historic responsibilities. My constituent Dr Eman El-Bahnassawy has faced significant obstacles in reuniting her mother from Gaza with family members in the UK, despite the success of similar schemes for Ukrainian refugees. I urge the Minister to address the Catch-22 situation Palestinians face, especially as their living conditions worsen and they lack access to support.

When previous crises occurred, schemes were set up individually. Why cannot this approach be applied to Palestinians? Agrees with the lead MP that a crisis-by-crisis approach is insufficient, highlighting the need for safe routes for people fleeing conflict around the world.

Mr McDonnell echoed the unanimity in support across political parties, expressing concern over the Israeli attack on Gaza. He noted that many Palestinians were conflicted about seeking refuge due to fear of complicity but now seek help desperately. Mr McDonnell highlighted the need for peace and a ceasefire and criticised the Government's lack of action. He raised concerns about the evacuation of injured children from Gaza and the inaction regarding securing health facilities, particularly in Rafah where hospitals are collapsing. Highlights the crisis in Gaza's health service with hospitals running out of fuel or evacuating patients due to military orders.

Proud to have intervened in support of Ukrainian refugees, now many feel there should be parity of treatment for people based on need, rather than where the conflict originated.

Five hundred and sixty-seven constituents in Blackburn have signed the petition highlighting the devastating situation in Palestine, with over 34,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023. The current visa system is insufficient for Palestinians to claim asylum due to eligibility issues and practical challenges.

The MP expressed solidarity with Anne McLaughlin, highlighting the sense of injustice in the community about why Palestinians are not being treated as refugees from Ukraine. She emphasized that innocent civilians in Gaza need support just like those in Ukraine.

The hon. Gentleman supports Government policies but should ask for an urgent ceasefire to facilitate the visa scheme and ensure local support for those wanting to enter the UK.

Emily Fares's constituent has multiple family members who have disappeared due to fear of the likely Israeli military campaign, and are caught in Rafah.

Home Office deferral of biometrics is too late for many families as they die in Gaza waiting for the decision, urging rapid process removal of barriers so that family members can get to safety.

Almost half of the agricultural land in Gaza has been destroyed and the health system could collapse soon. There is an urgency to provide safety for those fleeing the conflict.

I thanked the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Cat Smith) for leading the debate and emphasised the importance of recognising Palestine as a state to join the international community. I raised concerns about potential favouritism in visa schemes, noting that my constituents care deeply about this issue. I highlighted the diversity of Bolton and its welcoming nature towards refugees and noted the need for action regarding Palestinians fleeing Gaza.

Constituents like Lama and Anwar have urged the Government to set up a visa scheme similar to Homes for Ukraine, allowing their elderly relatives and families in Gaza to seek refuge.

Ms Whittome questioned the Home Office's visa restrictions that exclude siblings or parents of adult children from applying for family visas, leaving some relatives stranded in Gaza. She urged the UK Government to introduce a Palestinian family scheme similar to the Ukrainian family scheme. Critiques the Government's refusal to establish a Palestinian family scheme and mentions the criminalisation of Palestinians under the Rwanda law.

Highlights the lack of government action for Palestinians fleeing conflict in Gaza, contrasting it with support given to Ukrainians under similar circumstances. Criticizes the Government's current approach as insufficient and unfit for purpose. Urges the Minister to explain whose crisis counts and why no scheme has been introduced. Argues that food and medicine on the border are ineffective due to safety concerns and calls for an urgent scheme.

I agree with my hon. Friend that the Government's inflexibility in addressing the plight of Palestinians trapped in Gaza is out of line with public sentiment. Many MPs have taken up cases for Palestinians and have faced a lack of support from the government, highlighting the need for more responsive policies.

Inquires if applications can be made without going through Egypt, Jordan, or Turkey from Gaza.

Mr. Grant criticised the Government's stance on Gaza family reunification visas, suggesting that immigration policies have become overly restrictive and detrimental to innocent people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Invites the Minister to meet his constituent and a constituent of Joanna Cherry, who are concerned about caring for their mother.

Order. The Minister is perfectly entitled to take the intervention, but I gently remind him that he must resume his seat for Cat Smith to sum up the debate no later than 7.27 pm.

Burgon agreed with Hanna, stating that Israel's actions constitute immoral and unlawful forcible displacement of civilian populations. He urged the Minister to confirm that forced displacement cannot be permanent.

The MP expressed concern about the situation in Gaza and called for a visa scheme similar to the one introduced for Ukrainians, allowing Palestinians with no family ties to the UK to apply for visas free of charge. He highlighted the moral duty on Britain to recognise the Palestinians' right to return to a rebuilt country.

Mr Kinnock expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. He also stressed the urgency to facilitate family reunions for British Palestinians whose relatives are trapped in Gaza due to insurmountable barriers such as biometric data collection issues. Asks when new unsafe journey guidance will be published following a court challenge on biometric deferrals.

Every single biometric deferral application since October has been refused despite eligibility issues. He asks the Minister to explain this situation.

I congratulate everybody involved in supporting the e-petition and express full support for a Gaza family scheme. The current Home Office response is inadequate, as evidenced by comparisons to responses in Ukraine or Hong Kong. The existing visa rules are not sufficient, with fees being too high and application processes taking too long. Biometric enrolment requirements should be deferred until applicants can provide the necessary information safely. Questions why the UK cannot implement Canada's successful approach in facilitating evacuations through specific lists.

Mr Sheppard agreed with his colleague and expressed frustration over the Home Office's lack of support, noting that existing visa schemes are not effective in emergency situations due to high evidentiary requirements.

The MP expressed concern about the inability of Palestinian families to access visa application centres due to ongoing conflict, highlighting the trauma faced by those in Gaza. She raised issues with private companies charging exorbitant fees for evacuation services and requested official advice from the Government on these routes. The MP also urged for a swift ceasefire and immediate humanitarian aid to northern Gaza.

Yasmin Qureshi criticised the open and ongoing human rights abuses in Gaza, highlighting that aid is being blocked by Israeli authorities despite its availability. She questioned why Palestinians cannot leave Gaza to join their families in the UK and why there is a difference in treatment compared to Ukrainian refugees. Qureshi also noted that the Home Office's attitude towards Palestinian visitors has been harsh, even declining visas for children without reason.