Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 35
35
Accepted
Paragraph: 218
Address online visa barriers for Ukrainian pathways and expand disabled access support across the UK.
Recommendation
The online visa application processes for the Ukrainian humanitarian protection pathways are a barrier to access for several groups of people with protected characteristics. These include older and younger people, Roma and other ethnic minority groups, and disabled people. We appreciate that the schemes were designed at pace and that barriers to access may have been unavoidable in the early stages. However, more than a year later we expect action to have been taken to improve access to visa applications for those previously excluded. The Government should 78 Equality and the UK asylum process set out in response to this Report the actions it has taken or plans to take to address these barriers. In relation to disabled people’s access to the scheme and suitable accommodation, we recommend the Government expand across the UK the enhanced support previously available via the Scottish and Welsh governments’ “super-sponsor” schemes.
Government Response Summary
The government details existing measures to address online visa application barriers, such as allowing sponsors to fill forms, providing translations, offering evidential flexibility, and a helpline. For disabled people, it notes councils are advised to check accommodation suitability and conduct needs assessments, but redirects the recommendation to expand 'super-sponsor' support to the Devolved Administrations.
Paragraph Reference:
218
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
In relation to the recommendation at paragraph 218, guidance for the Ukraine schemes advises that, if an applicant has a named sponsor, their sponsor can fill in the application form on their behalf. This is aimed at assisting those who are unable to make digital applications independently. To provide tailored support for those fleeing the conflict, the forms and guidance on how to apply to all the Ukraine schemes are translated into Ukrainian and Russian. The Ukraine Scheme allows all people, regardless of their age and including those with a disability, to benefit in the same way. The greater evidential flexibility during the application process is intended to assist all applicants but may be of particular benefit to disabled applicants unable to obtain all specified supporting evidence. Information on how to apply to the schemes is available for all on gov.uk. A helpline has been made available to all applicants, but this may be particularly helpful to disabled people whose needs may be more complex and who therefore require additional assistance. All those who are granted leave under the schemes have access to public funds, including disability benefits where needed. The application process is free of charge and there is no limit on the number of applications submitted under the scheme. Ukrainians with valid international passports can apply for UK visas entirely online, without having to visit Visa Application Centres. To allow for the exceptional circumstances that arise in crisis, those who do not have a valid international passport are able to apply for a visa and if they are eligible, will be issued with a form to affix a visa (FAV) allowing them to travel. This concession is available to everyone, regardless of their age. Guidance for the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, the Ukraine Family Scheme, and the Ukraine Extension scheme is available online on GOV.UK. With regards to accommodation, local authorities are required to undertake a check of the suitability of the accommodation. We advise councils to check that the accommodation is suitable for the number and profile of people intending to live in it. Councils must make at least one in-person visit prior to the arrival of guests wherever possible. Following the guest’s arrival, councils should confirm as soon as possible that the guest is well and that there are no serious safeguarding or welfare concerns or needs for care and support. Where it is suspected that the adult may have care and support needs, a needs assessment should be undertaken in line with the requirements of the Care Act 2014. The UK Government’s response is outlined above, however some aspects of the policy are devolved, we would recommend the Committee to make similar enquiries to the Devolved Administrations. Homes for Ukraine is a UK-wide scheme and Ukrainian families can be accommodated across the whole of the UK. From the outset, we have worked closely with the Devolved Governments, supporting them to resolve issues when they have arisen.