PETITION CALLING FOR A PALESTINIAN FAMILY VISA SCHEME REACHES MORE THAN 100,000
Alison Thewliss, the SNP’s Home Affairs Spokesperson, has called on the UK Government to introduce a Palestinian Family Visa Scheme as a petition on the topic reaches more than 100,000.
The petition has urged the UK Government to introduce this scheme to ensure Palestinians can enter the UK safely and urgently.
The petition, which has reached more than 100,000 signatures, explains:
“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.
“This visa would provide them with an opportunity to seek refuge and reunite with their families safely in the UK.
“By implementing this visa, the government can demonstrate its commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and supporting those who have endured the hardships of war.
“Together, let’s urge the government to enact policies that provide a lifeline for Palestinians seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives safely.”
In response to the petition, the UK Government said:
“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.”
In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Thewliss questioned why the UK Government was not waiving the requirement for Palestinians to register biometrics.
Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“The UK Government are showing a blatant disregard for Palestinians who wish to escape a war zone to reunite with family in the UK. At present, people can’t escape Gaza without having biometrics registered – but there’s no facility to do this. The UK Government has it within their power to waive this requirement, and it’s deeply concerning that they won’t do so.
“The petition by Gaza Families Reunited creates a clear and coherent plan which the UK Government must listen to. Hundreds of thousands of people are gravely concerned about this situation and it is high time that the UK Government took action.
“I fully support this petition and hope that as MPs, we will soon have the opportunity to debate this issue in the Commons and hold the UK Government to account.”