Dnipro orphans given green light to enter Scotland
They're expected to arrive here on Monday after the Home Secretary granted permission
Last updated 17th Mar 2022
A group of Ukrainian orphans evacuated from their homes by an Edinburgh charity have been granted permission to come to Scotland.
The Home Secretary has now given them permission to enter the UK and they're expected to arrive on Monday.
Dnipro Kids organisation, set up by Hibs football fans, evacuated 48 youngsters out of Ukraine and into Poland during the Russian invasion.
It comes after SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford raised their plight in the House of Commons, saying the Home office was the "only obstacle" to bringing them to the safety of the UK.
Today Priti Patel said:
"It is deeply troubling that children from the charity Dnipro Kids have been caught up in Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine.
"I have been working directly with the Ukrainian government and asked for their permission to bring these children to the UK.
"I am extremely grateful to the authorities in Ukraine, who have now confirmed to me that the children can come here."
Responding, Ian Blackford said:
"I'm absolutely delighted we've managed to achieve this breakthrough and that, all things being well, Scotland will welcome 48 Ukrainian children and their guardians to safety on Monday."
The SNP MP added: "While this process has been more difficult than it needed to be, all that matters now is that these children will be in a place of safety and I am pleased beyond words.
"I want to pay tribute to everyone who has worked hard to make this happen including the Scottish charity Dnipro kids, the Ukrainian and Polish authorities, the Scottish Government, Edinburgh City Council, and all those who have helped resolve issues at the Home Office.
"It's essential that the UK Government learns lessons and removes unnecessary barriers and delays to supporting displaced children and families."
Mr Blackford continued: "Not all children will be in the position of having guardians and adults to support them, and the Home Office must ensure there are safe, smooth and quick ways for them to access visas and reach safety. It's far from clear to me how that can happen under the present system."
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "It is great news that the Dnipro Kids will soon be on their way to Scotland.
"We have all been moved by their story and I'm very glad the UK Government was able to move so quickly to smooth their passage here.
"I'm very grateful to the Hibs fans' Dnipro Kids charity and all others involved in getting the children out of Ukraine safely. Scotland has a proud history of supporting refugees, and I'm sure these young people will be made incredibly welcome when they get here."
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