New UK visa scheme “a pale imitation” of proper refugee support, Greens warn
14 March 2022
The UK government’s new visa scheme does not go far enough to help families fleeing war in Ukraine, the Green Party has warned.
Benali Hamdache, Green Party migration and refugee support spokesperson, said:
“This is a pale imitation of the welcome the European Union has rolled out. The European Union has waived all visas and given refugees the right to asylum for three years. We’ve created a bureaucratic hosting process that will mean refugees won’t be able to live independently.
“The generosity of sponsors is appreciated, but will there be spaces for families? What happens if the relationship between host and sponsor fails?
“Basically, the government is passing on their responsibility and leaving it down to the British public’s kindness and desire to help. The charity of individuals should not be relied on to replace the joined up humanitarian approach that could be provided. Priti Patel’s priorities are all wrong”
ENDS