East Yorkshire support group calls for a rethink on Ukrainian refugee visa scheme
They say there are major issues and delays
An East Yorkshire support group is calling for visas for Ukrainian refugees to be scrapped after experiencing long waits for those they sponsor to come over.
It was set up to help families and friends stay together on arrival.
However there have been a number of delays and problems.
We spoke to Steve Dunbobbin and Sarah Ockleton from Hull who founded the group.
Steve said "It's not been an easy process whatsoever really, the guests I've got are friends with Sarah's guest - we did the application two days later on March 20th and we've got our visas".
"Sarah's on the ball on the 18th, filled out her application but there were issues".
Sarah said "It kind of feels like I've got a second full time job in trying to get everything sorted."
"I think I've emailed every member of Parliament, every ten minutes I'm obsessed with checking my email to see if the visas come through."
"The horrible part of each day is letting Natalia know that sorry the visa hasn't come through."
Ria Toutountzi is the head of access and wellbeing at Hull city council – they’ve set up a helpline.
She said: "As we get more guidance and as things become clearer that helpline is able to answer more queries".
"They've got a script and they can arrange things like signposting onto the refugee team."