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Refugees

UK Visa Debacle: Chaos and Criticism Emerge Over Treatment of Ukrainian Refugees

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Natacha Bouchart, the mayor of Calais, has accused the Boris Johnson government of being "anti-humanitarian" after 350 terrified refugees were prevented from entering the UK by British border guards in recent days. The British government has been criticized for its slow processing of visas, with only 850 visas handed out despite over 22,000 applications. Refugees have expressed confusion and uncertainty over the visa process, with some being told they need to travel to Paris or Brussels for an interview, while others have been unable to book appointments.

Key Takeaways:

  • 350 terrified refugees were prevented from entering the UK by British border guards in recent days, according to Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart.
  • The British government has handed out only 850 visas to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, despite over 22,000 applications.
  • Refugees have expressed confusion and uncertainty over the visa process, with some being told they need to travel to Paris or Brussels for an interview.
  • The government has been criticized for its slow processing of visas, with senior Tory MPs urging Priti Patel to "get a grip" on the situation.
  • Ukraine's ambassador to Britain has called for a "simplified" process for refugees fleeing to the UK, citing the "bureaucratic" processes that are hampering asylum seekers' attempts to flee to Britain.
  • Government insiders have revealed that the Ministry of Defence will send 100 soldiers to help Home Office staff with logistical aspects of visa applications.
  • A new 'pop-up' visa processing centre has been set up in Lille, but it will not offer appointments or walk-in access for those seeking to come to the UK.
  • The most vulnerable cases in Calais will be taken to Lille for biometrics, but the Home Office is not publicising the location and capacity will be small.
  • The number of appointments available across the EU will be increased tenfold to 6,000 per week, although it is not clear when.

Statistics:

  • 850 visas have been handed out to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.
  • Over 22,000 applications have been made for visas.
  • 350 terrified refugees were prevented from entering the UK by British border guards in recent days.
  • 100 soldiers will be sent to help Home Office staff with logistical aspects of visa applications.
  • 6,000 visas appointments will be available per week across the EU.
  • 2 routes exist for Ukrainians to come to the UK - those with family in the UK can live and work in the country freely for at least three years, and those without family links will be able to come in for 12 months under a sponsorship scheme.

Sources:

  • Natacha Bouchart, Mayor of Calais
  • Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the UK
  • Priti Patel, Home Secretary of the UK
  • Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK
  • Charlie Varley, photographer for varleypix.com
  • Various senior Tory MPs and government insiders

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