A Dundee MSP has ramped up the pressure on the UK Government over red-tape issues involving Ukraine refugees.
Joe Fitzpatrick described the current process as “frustratingly slow’.
He said something has to be done to speed up how entry into the UK is approved for thousands fleeing the war-torn country.
Mr Fitzpatrick spoke as he met Anna Jakubova of Help Ukraine Scotland.
She runs a grassroots group of activists and volunteers who have come together to help support Ukrainian people across Scotland and beyond.
The Dundee City West MSP said: “The grassroots activists and volunteers at Help Ukraine Scotland are doing incredible work to try to support people from Ukraine who are arriving in Scotland, as well as those who are hoping to find refuge here.
“One of the key concerns that Anna from Help Ukraine Scotland raised with me was that many Ukrainians are experiencing delays with the UK Government’s visa application process.
“The Scottish Government established itself as a ‘super sponsor’ to get the people of Ukraine to safety quickly.
“The frustratingly slow pace that the UK Government has been moving at on visas has unfortunately worked against that aim.”
And he added: “The Scottish Government is continuing to press the UK Government to do all it can to speed up their approval processes.
“As brutal fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with millions having fled their homes already and more expected to do so, it’s crucial that we are able to offer refuge to all Ukrainians who want to find safety in Scotland.
“I have written to Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development to share Help Ukraine Scotland’s concerns about UK visa delays and their calls for the Scottish Government to provide as much support as possible, whilst noting that visas are reserved to Westminster.”
Describing the meeting on her group’s Facebook page, Anna said: “Met with Joe Fitzpatrick, my MSP, today. Talked about the need for visa tracking and entry permit letter re-issue.
“Will escalate to MP next. Please do follow my example and talk to your political reps directly.”
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