Ukrainian Child Unable to Bring Father Before His Death
- Ukrainian child faces visa challenges to bring her father to the UK.
- Father tragically dies in a war before being reunited with the child.
- Heartbreaking story sheds light on visa obstacles for families in crisis.
A recent report has highlighted the distressing impact of UK visa changes on Ukrainian families, leaving many children separated from their parents. Charities are urging the government to urgently reopen the visa pathway that previously allowed Ukrainians with temporary status in the UK to reunite with close family members. The changes, implemented on February 19, have rendered many Ukrainians ineligible to sponsor their own family members to join them in the UK. Interviews conducted with over 200 Ukrainians by the Work Rights Centre and the Immigration Law Practitioners Association reveal a “profoundly negative impact” on the Ukrainian community. One parent expressed the heart-wrenching situation of having a six-year-old daughter still in Ukraine, stating that the new rules make it nearly impossible to bring her to safety. The ongoing war exacerbates the stress of separation, leaving families in a state of despair. Valentyna, a 24-year-old based in the UK, shared her anguish over the loss of her father, who was killed in the conflict before she could assist him in escaping. She lamented the inability to fulfill his wish due to the new visa regulations, which have left her feeling consumed by grief and distress. Dr. Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, has called on the Labour government to honor its commitment to review the Ukraine visa schemes. Legal experts have criticized the abrupt changes, arguing they undermine the UK’s humanitarian values. The Home Office has not commented, but the Home Secretary is expected to review the situation.