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Visas: Gaza

Asked by Rachael MaskellLabour (Co-op)Home OfficeTabled Answered 26 July 2024UIN 98

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a humanitarian visa for people from Gaza to receive medical aid in the UK.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

Currently, those seeking to come to the UK for private medical treatment, along with their family members, can apply for a visitor visa and consideration will be given to compelling, compassionate and exceptional circumstances.

The Word Heath Organisation (WHO) position is that people who are medically evacuated should stay as close to home as possible, so that they are likely amongst those who understand their language and culture, and so that their return home, when ready, is easier.

The Government will be reviewing the current arrangements as quickly as possible to ensure that, where it is appropriate for children to travel, this route is effective.

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