An “expedited” UK visas scheme is being put in place for students coming to Britain from Gaza, the Home Secretary has confirmed.
Yvette Cooper said the Home Office is in the process of putting in place "systems to issue expedited visas with biometric checks" for people living in the besieged Palestinian territory who have won scholarship to British universities.
The Government will use "legal and controlled support" to help people fleeing persecution, the cabinet minister told MPs on Monday.
In a statement in the Commens, Ms Cooper said: "We will continue to do our bit to support Ukraine, extending the Ukraine permission extension scheme by a further 24 months, with further details to be set out in due course.
"We're also taking immediate action to rescue children who have been seriously injured in a horrendous onslaught on civilians in Gaza so they can get the health treatment they need.
She added: "I can confirm that the Home Office has put in place systems to issue expedited visas with biometric checks conducted prior to arrival for children and their immediate accompanying family members.
"And we have done the same for all the Chevening scholars and are in the process of doing so now for the next group of students from Gaza who have been awarded fully funded scholarships and places at UK universities so they can start their studies in autumn this year.
"Later this year, we will set out plans to establish a permanent framework for refugee students to come study in the UK, so we can help more talented young people fleeing war and persecution to find a better future alongside capped and managed ways for refugees to work here in the UK."
Some Palestinians are currently being prevented from entering the UK due to being unable to complete biometric checks in war-town Gaza.
More than 80 students have been awarded Chevening scholarships at UK universities, funded by the Foreign Office, and were granted permission to enter Britain upon completion of their visa application.
Part of the process includes carrying out a biometric check in a safe third country.
However, circumstances in Gaza have made it near impossible for the students to complete their fingerprint scan as they are unable to leave Gaza due to closed borders.
In such cases, the students would need to be evacuated by the Israeli government.
The UK did formerly operate an authorised centre where visa checks could be completed, but it closed in October 2023 following the Hamas terror attack.
More than 70 Labour MPs had asked the government to defer the checks for the students so that they can commence studies at university.
The Home Office has previously described biometric data as playing “a significant role in delivering security and facilitation in the border and immigration system”.
