Ukrainian nationals with passports or ID cards can apply for UK visas in bid to speed up process

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country could finally get easier access to the UK from next week. The Home Office has come under fire for its slow process at getting UK visas to Ukrainian refugees in the past week - with less than 1,000 issued by yesterday afternoon, while more than 2.2 million had fled Ukraine.

Now, Priti Patel has announced a change to the Ukrainian family scheme, which allows Ukrainian refugees to join relatives living in the UK. READ MORE: Russia-Ukraine LIVE updates as Chelsea owner Abramovich sanctioned and 'three killed' in Mariupol hospital bombing It means Ukrainians will not have to go to a visa application centre if they have a passport or an ID card.

Ms Patel told MPs today (March 10) that she had received assurances on security matters which have enabled her to make the changes, which are expected to come into effect next Tuesday.

She told the Commons: "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.” Earlier this week, cabinet members had suggested the delays were due to checks to stop fake claims for Ukrainian refuge being approved by the Home Office.