It has been suggested that unaccompanied Ukrainian children and adolescents escaping the war may be permitted to enter the United Kingdom under reforms scheduled to be unveiled by Priti Patel on Wednesday.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the home secretary will declare that children and adolescents would be permitted to enter Ukraine with permission from a parent or legal guardian and the Ukrainian government.
Current Home Office guidance specifies that minors can only enter the United Kingdom under the Homes for Ukraine program if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or are reconnecting with them.
As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, it is believed that the British government is examining whether the scheme might be expanded to include more children without compromising safety.
Monday evening, neither the Home Office nor the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities would corroborate the paper’s report.
Both instead issued the same statement: “It is terrible that children have become involved in Putin’s war.
We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children, and as the public rightfully expects, we have put in place comprehensive procedures to protect them once they are in the UK, working closely with councils throughout.
“At this time, only minors who are traveling with or reconnecting with a parent or legal guardian in the United Kingdom are eligible for Homes for Ukraine. However, as we have always stated, we examine eligibility for all of our programs.”
It follows Ms. Patel’s indication to the House of Commons on Monday that amendments could be made to the Homes for Ukraine program to assist youngsters attempting to enter the United Kingdom with non-parental relatives.
Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, inquired about increasing the scheme’s visa eligibility to include children traveling with grandparents or older relatives.
Ms. Patel responded, “We are considering this, and there is a great deal of safeguarding-related work taking place not only at the Home Office but also with the refugee minister and the department for local communities.
“We will make adjustments,” she continued.
