LCNI Statement on Gaza Student Scheme and the Medical Evacuations Scheme

Law Centre NI welcomes the continuation of the Gaza Student Scheme and the Medical Evacuations Scheme for critically ill children. These are rare examples of safe and legal routes; sadly people fleeing war and persecution are mostly left with no choice but to use irregular – and often dangerous – routes.

The Gaza Student Scheme offers a lifeline to a tiny number of talented Palestinian students. It must be remembered that up to 90% of the population of Gaza are displaced and facing acute food shortages. Despite the UK recognising the situation as a ‘severe humanitarian crisis’, most Gazans who are otherwise eligible for UK visas encounter an impossible maze of Home Office bureaucracy including biometric requirements. The delays have proved fatal for some.

We commend all those who have contributed to the Gaza Student / Medical Evacuation Scheme and we wish the students every success. We now call on the UK Government to give other people trapped in Gaza access to safe and legal routes to protection.