Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Home Office adapted visa processes for Ukrainians, streamlining biometrics collection and application.
Conclusion
Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, those applying for any type of UK visa had to attend a visa application centre to give their biometrics before they came to the UK. The Home Office told us that for obvious reasons it had had to shut its visa application centre in Lviv, Ukraine. It explained that after the start of the war it had very quickly set up a new visa application centre over the border in Warsaw, as it was aware that large numbers of people were already moving there. However, it then realised that this was adding unnecessary steps and delay to the visa application process, so it took further action to try and speed up the application process for Ukrainians wanting to apply to come to the UK. Firstly, on 10 March 2022, the Home Secretary announced that attendance at a visa application centre would no longer be required for Ukrainians with valid international passports. Instead, Ukrainians could apply online, uploading a scan of their passport, and give their biometrics after they had arrived in the UK. Then, on 18 May 2022, the Home Office implemented another new digital route which allowed applicants to provide biometric information online rather than when they arrived in the UK.13 9 Qq 15, 16 and 24 10 Qq 14–16, 19–20 11 Home Office, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) visa data, (accessed 16 January 2024) 12 C&AG’s Report paras 2.7–2.8 13 Q 10; C&AG’s Report para 2.9 Homes for Ukraine 11
Government Response Summary
The government has formally introduced a 15 working day customer service standard for Homes for Ukraine applications from February 2024, which will be published quarterly. It has also ensured sufficient resources and plans for future surges to meet these targets.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendations. Recommendation implemented 3.2 As part of ‘normalising’ the operational delivery of Homes for Ukraine, the Home Office has formally introduced a 15 working day customer service standard from February 2024 which will be published quarterly as part of the migration transparency data. 3.3 This information will be captured and recorded in line with existing processes on other visa routes and will include all non-complex applications, as well as any complex applications which can still be processed within 15 days. 3.4 To ensure targets on processing times can be met, the Home Office has used data on application volumes over the last few months to ensure there is sufficient resource in place to process new applications, whilst also resolving any outstanding complex applications as and when the relevant checks are complete. 3.5 Should there be a future surge in applications due to a change in circumstances in Ukraine, the Home Office will be able to urgently reprioritise the deployment of resource within the department’s operational teams, as demonstrated in the early months of the war. This time, there are caseworkers available who have experience of Homes for Ukraine and the necessary processes and casework systems are already in place to enable an effective response to any increase in volumes.