Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether people fleeing Ukraine and entering the UK via the Republic of Ireland are entitled to claim asylum in Northern Ireland.

The safest route for people to leave Ukraine is via its neighbouring countries to the West. From the safety of these countries, those escaping the war can benefit from the additional support we have already announced and apply for one of our safe and legal routes to the UK.

Ukrainians can apply to reunite with UK-based family via the Ukrainian Family Scheme, and for Ukrainians who do not have family ties with the UK, we have inroduced the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which currently matches Ukrainians with individuals who are willing and able to act as a sponsor.