Call for issuing of visas to Ukrainian refugees to be sped up after Anglesey family left ‘apalled’ by process

A call has been made for the issuing of visas to Ukrainian refugees to be sped up.

It follows a Senedd Member highlighting the wait faced by a mother and daughter fleeing the war in Ukraine, who have been offered a place to stay by a family on Anglesey.

Ynys Mon MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said yesterday that the family began undertaking the application process on the pair’s behalf around nine days ago.

However, they have yet to receive an acknowledgement of whether it has been received and have expressed frustration over the delays.

Raising the issue in the Senedd, the Plaid Cymru MS said: “There is a community on Anglesey that is ready to welcome a mother and daughter; the school uniform is ready to go.

“It is now nine days since the family on Anglesey began going through the visa application process—doing it themselves, rather than leaving it to the mother and daughter.

“The family on Anglesey is appalled at the process that they have experienced and, nine days on, they don’t even know if their application has been received—there is no acknowledgement.

“Can the Welsh Government please press on the UK Government to make sure that there is an acknowledgement system, and that there is perhaps a means to log in to check on the process?

“We need to be able to welcome these families as quickly as possible.”

Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said she agreed with his comments and would raise the issue with the UK Government.

She said: “It’s important that I pass this back, this strong support for the UK Government to speed up the visa process.

“Let’s look at it: over 10,000 people in Wales expressed an interest to become a sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

“So many of them now are doing this on behalf of people, and raising funds, and actually going out and meeting people and driving them back—there are so many examples of incredible support.

“Welsh people want it to work, and they want those visas sorted, and we want to make sure that we can support those who are waiting—many of whom are very vulnerable.”

The Welsh Government has also called upon businesses or organisations in Wales to help provide “large scale” accommodation and transport for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Arrival hubs have now been set up in both north and south Wales to support those escaping Ukraine.

The UN’s refugee agency estimates that 3.8 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded last month, most are women and children.

Men and boys aged 18 to 60 are required to stay in Ukraine to defend the country against Russian troops.

The vast majority of those fleeing have sought safety in Poland and in neighbouring countries where visa restrictions have been relaxed.

In a wider update to Members of the Senedd on Tuesday, Jane Hutt said: “There has been an overwhelming response from people in Wales as they have signed up in their thousands to the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme to act as a potential sponsor for someone fleeing the war and to open their homes to them. Wales is showing our nation of sanctuary in action.

“Those expressions of interest are now turning into completed visa applications based on the generous offers of accommodation from people in Wales via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

“Welsh Government is now directly sponsoring people from Ukraine and enabling people to complete visa applications and be accommodated and receive structured support in one of the welcome centres we are delivering in partnership with local government and others.”

On Monday a dedicated helpline was launched for people arriving in Wales from Ukraine and for people who are acting as sponsors to provide advice and guidance.

Hubs

The minister said that arrival hubs have been set up at ports of entry across Wales, including at Holyhead, Pembroke Dock and Fishguard, and at Cardiff Airport to help people arriving from Ukraine.

There are also arrival hubs at Cardiff central train and coach station and Wrexham railway station.

She said: “From these arrival hubs, people will be eligible for free onward travel to Wales and to one of the welcome centres, which are being set up around the country to provide immediate accommodation and support for new arrivals from Ukraine.

“In the welcome centres, everyone will receive help and support to help them settle into life in Wales.

“Translation services will be available for people who don’t speak English and there will be opportunities to start learning English and Welsh.

“Health services will be available; children will start school and there will be advice to help people find their way in a new country; help with money and welfare benefits and advice about finding work.

“Accommodation will be available on-site at the welcome centres, but the Welsh Government will work to find all individuals and families longer term homes across Wales.”

The minister added: “The invasion of Ukraine by Putin was a dark day for world peace.

“But the overwhelming desire shown by people across Wales to help shows there is hope even in the most desperate of times.”

The Welsh Government helpline can be called in the UK on 0808 175 1508 and outside the UK on 0204 5425671.