TIGA has previously called on the Government to lead international cooperation and welcome displaced people from the conflict in Ukraine. TIGA urged the Government to bring forward a significant humanitarian response plan, including safe routes for those fleeing from persecution with an ambitious commitment to resettle Ukrainians in the UK.
TIGA welcomes the extension of the family visa scheme and changes to the Ukraine Family Scheme announced today by the Home Secretary, which means that Ukrainians with passports will no longer need to go to a Visa Application Centre to give their biometrics before they come to the UK. TIGA also looks forward to receiving more information on how UK businesses can sponsor a Ukrainian entering the country.
However, we need to do more. TIGA calls for the establishment of a new visa route, beyond the current points-based immigration route, family visa route and visa for temporary workers route, to ensure that those fleeing wars and persecution can apply for a visa on humanitarian grounds. TIGA is reiterating its call to introduce a Humanitarian route to offer all Ukrainians seeking refuge the right to come to the UK regardless of whether they have family ties here.
EU countries have waived visa rules for Ukrainian refugees, with the effect that they can stay within the EU and work for up to three years, without having to first seek asylum. The UK should be equally generous and establish a similar scheme.