Written question asked by Rachael Maskell (Labour) on Thursday, 29 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 March 2024. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Friday, 8 March 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Palestinians: Visas

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will take steps to help ensure that Palestinians who are entitled to come to the UK on a visa are able to leave Gaza to acquire the necessary documentation in the event of a pause in fighting.

Answer: We have been facilitating British citizens and their foreign national dependents (spouse, unmarried/civil partner, child under 18) to come to the UK, provided they have valid travel documents and hold a minimum of 6 months right to remain on their UK visa or are non-visa nationals. We have helped 315 British nationals, their dependants and relevant visa holders to leave Gaza so far. We are working with the Israeli and Egyptian authorities to support any remaining eligible people still in Gaza. Individuals who do not meet these criteria should apply for a visa to enable them to enter the UK in the normal way.

Secondary information