Flag bearer Myron Tytko and other supporters hold banners as they join group of would-be hosts, sponsors and supporters of Ukrainian refugees, hold a Vigil for Visas outside the Home Office in London, in April 2022
THE government could face legal action over “inordinate and unreasonable” visa delays for Ukrainian refugees.
Those in Britain who have signed up to sponsor Ukrainian families are preparing to launch a class-action lawsuit on behalf of refugees left waiting weeks to come to Britain, it was revealed today.
They say that there are at least 800 Ukrainians still waiting for visas after applying within the first two weeks of the Home for Ukraine scheme opening in March, leaving people at risk.
The groups behind the action are Vigil 4 Visas and Taking Action Over The Homes For Ukraine Visa Delays.
One of the campaigners Katherine Klinger said: “Perhaps the most striking thing I’ve noticed is the utter despair, shame and sense of responsibility that so many hosts report.”
It comes as PM Boris Johnson admitted on Tuesday that the government should have acted faster to help Ukrainian refugees to Britain, but continued to defend the Tories’ widely criticised visa policy.
Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Mr Johnson said that 86,000 visas had been issued, with 27,000 Ukrainians now in the UK.
He said that “27,000 is a lot and it’s growing fast and I want to pay tribute to all those who are helping to look after Ukrainians.
“Could we have done it faster? Yes, perhaps we could.”
The PM defended the government’s decision not to offer visa-free travel to Ukrainians, repeating claims this could see the system “abused by people pretending to be refugees.”
Lawyers for the two groups are planning to send a pre-action protocol letter to the Home Office this week, asking it to “sort out the endless muddles and tangles.”
They could then apply for a judicial review of the government’s visa-processing policy.
The letter highlights 10 cases of Ukrainians who are still waiting for their visas, including one of a mother whose application has been granted but whose daughter’s has not yet been.
Moses Gibson and his wife Nichola Merrick, who are sponsoring the mother and daughter, described the scheme as “dreadful and completely hopeless.”
“The false hope it’s giving to people who are fighting and fleeing for their lives is unacceptable, it’s unbelievable,” Mr Gibson said.
The groups are due to launch an online crowdfunder on Tuesday morning to raise up to £15,000 to help pay for the legal costs.
