Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to waive visas requirements for Ukrainians fleeing war.

Russia’s assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign, democratic state. We stand with Ukraine.

We have already made changes to the immigration system, to support British Nationals, and those settled in the UK, and their families in Ukraine

Visas are an important security tool. There is a risk that hostile actors or other individuals with links to serious and organised crime or corruption could exploit the arrangement to travel to the UK undetected if security checks are not in place. Similarly, our visa process allows safeguarding checks to be undertaken to protect vulnerable people who will be travelling to the UK.

Due to Russia’s invasion, there are no direct travel routes from Ukraine to the UK. The safest route for people to leave Ukraine is via neighbouring countries to the West. From the safety of these countries, those escaping the war can benefit from the support we have already announced to reunite with UK-based family, or should they otherwise wish to travel to the UK.

The UK Government has an extensive visa application centre (VAC) network in neighbouring countries. Ukrainians safely in these countries can access these services and apply for visas, including the new family scheme. Capacity in those VACs has been extended and a fully online process for those with a valid Ukrainian passport has been implemented.