A Ukrainian refugee has a visa to join her mother in Scotland but can’t use it as it would mean abandoning her five-year-old daughter.
Valeria Liukovych, 31, has a visa that will allow her to be with her mum Tamara, who is originally from Ukraine but is now a UK citizen.
But she has not got permission to bring her child Mia, husband Ruslan and severely disabled father Hennadiy to Scotland, leaving her stranded in Poland.
Valeria said last night: “I have never felt such fear. I just want to be with my mother but I would never abandon my family.
"I would just ask that the authorities please sort out the visas so we can all leave and start to rebuild our lives.”
A month ago, Tamara’s Scottish husband, Stephen Ross, filled in online family visa applications but was told by the Home Office a week later they would all have to be applied for individually.
The chaotic Home Office computer system initially wouldn’t even allow Hennadiy to apply as part of the family because he is Tamara’s ex-husband and not a blood relative.
It was only when Stephen’s MP, Lisa Cameron, stepped in that the Home Office allowed Hennadiy to even apply.
But yesterday, the family were told by the Home Office that Hennadiy could not be included as part of the same visa bundle and would have to reapply through the sponsorship route which will cause more delays.
Retired policeman Stephen said: “The whole process has been a shambles. The Home Office basically said it was too bad if the computer system didn’t accept Hennadiy under the scheme.
“It caused terrible delays before he was accepted. Now we have been told he has to go through the sponsorship route. The treatment has been inhumane.
“Valeria can’t leave her child and husband and Hennadiy to fend for himself. He is reliant on her.”
Refugees minister Richard Harrington had promised visas for those fleeing Ukraine would be processed within 48 hours following criticism that those seeking safety in Britain have faced unacceptable delays.
Tamara and Stephen have been married for 14 years and she has been a British citizen for 12 years. She is distraught that she can’t bring her daughter to their home in East Kilbride.
Valeria, Hennadiy and Mia fled their home in Zaporizhzhia before Russian troops captured the city’s nuclear plant. They spent two days in a bomb shelter before making the 1500km journey to join husband Ruslan in Poland.
Stephen said: “They managed to get on a train but it was a terrifying journey for them.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We are moving as quickly as possible to ensure those fleeing can find safety in the UK through the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine.
“We have streamlined the process so valid passport holders do not have to attend in-person appointments before arriving in the UK, simplified our forms and boosted caseworker numbers, while ensuring vital security checks are carried out.”
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