Homes for Ukraine: Visas for 566 Ukrainians to come to Scotland

More than 10 million people are already thought to have fled their homes in Ukraine because of the invasion, according to the United Nations

Visas have been issued for 566 Ukrainians to travel to Scotland under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The number is more than double last week's total of 210, Home Office figures show.

The latest statistics include 35 refugees whose applications have been approved under the Scottish government's super sponsor scheme.

It removes the need for individuals to be matched prior to being given permission to travel.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told BBC Scotland the process of granting visas remained "painfully slow".

Ms Sturgeon said the super sponsor scheme, which has involved close co-operation with the UK government, should allow people a faster route to Scotland.

And she said a support structure was in place to help refugees when they arrive.

But she added: "The bit in the middle is the granting of the visas and we hope to see that speed up.

"I know there is work being done at UK government level to try to speed it up but, and I think UK government ministers would admit this themselves, that bit remains too cumbersome and it is taking far too long.

"We need to see real progress there."

'Frustration'

Across the UK, the Home Office said 40,900 visas for Ukrainians have now been issued and 12,000 people have arrived from Ukraine.

In an interview with BBC News, Home Secretary Priti Patel has apologised "with frustration" for delays to the visa system that have prevented thousands of Ukrainian refugees from coming to the UK.

Of the visas issued, 28,500 were under the Ukraine Family Scheme and 12,500 were under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which allows people to sponsor Ukrainian refugees.

The data, up to 7 April, also reveals that 10,800 people have now arrived in the UK under the family scheme and 1,200 under the sponsorship scheme.

I need to help my people

Valerie Semchuk is helping to package aid parcels in Aberdeen which will be sent to Ukraine

Valerie Semchuk arrived in Aberdeen with her two sons on 20 March to stay with relatives and is now helping to package vital supplies that will be sent back to her homeland via Poland.

Her husband, who is a builder, has stayed behind in Kyiv.

Ms Semchuk has visited Scotland before, but this time is different.

She told BBC Scotland: "This time is not like others because I am not happy to be here.

"It is so stressful and I am so nervous. I want home all the time.

"I miss my husband."

Asked why she is helping to put aid parcels together, she said: "I have to do it. It is for my country, for my people"

War in Ukraine: More coverage

• LIVE: Latest updates from Ukraine

• FRONTLINE: 'Russian soldiers held us as human shields'

• PROPAGANDA: Russians hear one voice on war - that of Putin

• REFUGEES: Where have Ukraine's millions of refugees gone?

• READ MORE: Full coverage of the crisis