British home secretary Priti Patel has promised a streamlined online visa application system for Ukrainians seeking to flee the war with Russia in response to criticism of her approach to the crisis.
She told MPs the changes will come in from Tuesday following assurances from the security services that the UK can still be protected from Russian efforts to infiltrate the country by posing as Ukrainian refugees.
The UK's home office has come under pressure from opposition and Tory MPs – as well as the Ukrainian government – to simplify the system which allows family members of people settled in the UK to join their relatives.
Ms Patel said: “From Tuesday, I can announce 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.
“Instead, once their application has been considered and appropriate checks completed, they will receive direct notification that they’re eligible for the scheme and can come to the UK.
“In short, Ukrainians with passports will be able to get permission to come here fully online from wherever they are and will be able to give their biometrics once in Britain.
“This will mean that visa application centres across Europe can focus their efforts on helping Ukrainians without passports.”
More than two million people have fled Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.
The fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II is happening now.
More than 2 million people have already fled war in Ukraine.
Please donate to help these refugees: https://t.co/ZvSmvCXUl7 pic.twitter.com/SyawslpQygAdvertisement— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) March 9, 2022
While the European Union allows visa-free travel for Ukrainians fleeing the fighting, the UK insisted they are necessary to guarantee security.
Ms Patel told the UK House of Commons: “I am in daily contact with the intelligence and security agencies who are providing me with regular threat assessments.
“What happened in Salisbury showed what (Russian president Vladimir) Putin is willing to do on our soil. It also demonstrated that a small number of people with evil intentions can wreak havoc on our streets.”
Ms Patel said she was able to change the visa regime following security agencies’ fresh advice.
