The Petitions Committee has agreed to debate the following
petition on 13 May: Create a Palestinian Family
Visa Scheme for Palestinian people affected by war
We want the government to take action and create a Visa scheme
that allows Palestinian individuals affected by war, to be
allowed into the UK. Just like we did for Ukraine.
103,736 signatures
Government responded
This response was given on 21 December 2023
There are no plans to introduce bespoke arrangements for people
arriving from the region. Those wishing to come to the UK who
currently have no visa can apply under one of the existing visa
routes.
Response in full
The UK Government is monitoring the situation in Israel and Gaza
closely to ensure that it is able to respond appropriately.
We recognise that some people impacted by the events in Israel
and the Occupied Palestinian Territories may wish to join family
in the UK. The Government is working with authorities across the
region to facilitate the repatriation of British citizens and
their family members who already hold permission to come to the
UK.
There are currently no plans to introduce bespoke arrangements
for people arriving from the region who do not hold permission to
come to the UK. That means that immediate family members of
British citizens, and those settled in the UK, who wish to come
and live in the UK and do not have a current UK visa can apply
under one of the existing family visa routes. Individuals who
meet these criteria should apply for a visa to enable them to
enter the UK in the normal way. Fee waivers are available to
those who can not afford the application fee, and exceptional
circumstances may be taken into account where certain
requirements are not met.
UK Visas and Immigration is working closely with the Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office in supporting family members
of British nationals evacuated from Gaza who require a visa,
signposting the necessary steps and expediting appointments at
the Visa Application Centre (VAC). VACs in the region such as
Egypt, Jordan and Turkey are open and offering a full service.
Since 2015, over half a million people were offered safe and
legal routes into the UK. This includes over 28,600 individuals
resettled to the UK under its global UNHCR resettlement schemes,
which include the UK Resettlement Scheme, Community Sponsorship
and the Mandate Resettlement Scheme. However, our approach must
be considered in the round, rather than on a crisis-by-crisis
basis.
Home Office
