Closed petition Enable Ukrainian children without passports to enter UK without attending a VAC
Any Ukrainians without passports need to attend a Visa Application Centre appointment before arriving in the UK. Scrap the need for children to do this if their parent holds a passport.
Children are not a security risk. Biometrics could easily be taken after arrival in the UK.
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The current requirement involves a significant extra journey for many families, the need to find accommodation near the VAC, extra uncertainty, and an additional step in the lengthy and complicated application process.
The UK is creating an unnecessary extra hurdle for traumatised and vulnerable families who could be welcomed more quickly and simply under the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme.
This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months
Related activity
Government questioned on Homes for Ukraine visa applications by MPs
On Thursday 28 April, MPs questioned Home Office Minister Kevin Foster MP on the work of the Government's visa application centres in relation to the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This followed an Urgent Question from Wendy Chamberlain MP.
Watch MPs question the Government on this issue: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/b31a88c3-0dc5-4ef0-acb2-c133a3d57041?in=10:31:21
Read the transcript: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2022-04-28/debates/3C023B59-4760-4049-AD6C-B89B76CD0C5D/HomesForUkraineVisaApplicationCentres
During the session, MPs raised concerns about the level of service being provided by Visa Application Centres (VACs), and about oversight arrangements for these centres, which are run by a private provider.
In response, the Minister stated that the Government was working with the operator of these VACs to improve the service they provide, and also said that the Government was "looking towards e-visa permissions, which will mean that people do not need to go to collect something physical in their passport to allow them to travel to the UK."
What is an Urgent Question?
MPs can request that the Speaker considers their application for an urgent question each day. If the Speaker is satisfied that the question is urgent and of public importance, they are then given the opportunity to ask their question in the House of Commons Chamber.
A relevant Government minister has to come to the Chamber to explain what the Government is doing on the issue raised. The minister will then usually take questions on the subject from MPs.
Find out more about Urgent Questions:
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/business/urgent-questions/
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Homes for Ukraine scheme and child refugees debated by MPs
On Wednesday 22 June, Tulip Siddiq MP led a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament on the Homes for Ukraine scheme and child refugees.
Watch the debate, read the transcript of what was said in the debate and access other relevant material:
https://ukparliament.shorthandstories.com/cet-homes-for-ukraine/index.html?utm_campaign=0622-cet-ukraine-petitioners&utm_medium=email&utm_source=petcom
What are Westminster Hall debates?
Westminster Hall is the second Chamber of the House of Commons.
Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate.
Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference: https://parliament.us16.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3ad7e4c57a864f07e4db008c4&id=26d0645ea9