MP appeals for relaxation of visa rules to help Ukrainians enter UK

Dave Doogan has written to the Home Secretary seeking a relaxation of rules to grant temporary visas to those fleeing the invasion

Angus MP Dave Doogan has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel MP, to urge the UK Government to “do the right thing” and relax visa rules to allow people fleeing Ukraine to enter the country.

In his letter, Mr Doogan urged the Home Secretary to up her efforts and support the Ukrainian people in a way that would be immediately effective and helpful by following the EU and allowing refugees from Ukraine temporary visas to entery “without delay or pre-qualification”.

He said: “Many constituents in Angus have written to me over the weekend to share their concerns at this humanitarian crisis and they call on you and the UK Government to stand with Ukraine’s people in their hour of need in accepting more refugees more willingly.

“As you are aware, the EU will accept Ukrainian refugees for up to three years without asking them to go through the paperwork of applying for asylum first - and regardless of whether or not they have a family connection in any EU member state. There is no cogent reason the UK cannot match this commitment to humanity.”

On Monday, the UK Government announced that Ukrainians can come to the UK if they have relatives who are British nationals. The Home Secretary said an extension of visa rules to "immediate family members" would allow Ukrainians to "seek sanctuary" in the UK.

Mr Doogan said that further relaxation will significantly benefit people fleeing the crisis directly, effectively and without delay.

He continued: “Like me, the people of Angus are extremely worried about the developing situation in Ukraine, and I have been contacted with many messages of support for the Ukrainian people over the weekend.

“I will continue to press the Home Office to do the right thing and to allow people from Ukraine a clear path to the UK if they desire. There is no cogent reason the UK cannot match the EU’s commitment to humanitarianism.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also announced further sanctions on Russia on Monday. The SNP is calling for further sanctions on Russian oligarchs and their families.