Britain’s executive on Tuesday relaxed its immigration requirements for Ukrainian citizens with family ties to the UK fleeing the Russian invasion, after being criticized for not doing enough to welcome these refugees.
Interior Minister Priti Patel assured that some 100,000 Ukrainians could enter the country for 12 months as a result of changes in the criteria established for close relatives.
“There is no limit to the number of people who can qualify for it,” Patel said in Parliament, adding that newcomers “will be able to work and access public funds.”
Relaxed measures include language requirements and salary thresholds, and the extension of beneficiaries to grandparents, children over the age of 18 and the siblings of “any person established in the UK”.
However, all applicants will have to pass security checks, he added.
London is under pressure to adopt a European Union-like system that allows Ukrainians with biometric passports to enter visa-free and stay for up to three years.
Free Eurostar rides
Ukrainians who can get a UK visa will now be able to travel across the English Channel free of charge, after Eurostar announced free travel for all Ukrainian passport holders fleeing Russia’s barbaric invasion, reported the Daily Mail.
Anyone fleeing the destruction wrought by Putin will be able to pick up free tickets at any Eurostar station to London St. Pancras International, the transport operator had announced.
The press has also reported several cases where visa-free Ukrainians were prevented from using Eurostar train services to travel from Paris to London.
But Patel called the relaxation unveiled Tuesday a “very generous, expansive and unprecedented package” and ruled out the visa waiver, arguing that “Russian troops are trying to infiltrate and merge with Ukrainian forces.”
“We have a collective duty to keep the British people safe. And this approach is based on the strongest security advice,” he added.
The minister also outlined measures for Ukrainians without family ties to the UK can travel to the UK through sponsorship from individuals, charities, businesses and communities.
His residence permit would also be granted for 12 months and would have no limit on the number, he added.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested on a visit to Poland on Tuesday that “more than 200,000” Ukrainians could benefit from the British plan.
In less than a week since the invasion began, more than 660,000 people have fled Ukraine and taken refuge in neighboring countries, according to the UN. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
