Visa fee threat to Chernobyl visitors

A proposed visa fee could mean fewer children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster visiting the area for vital health breaks.

The Newark and Sherwood link of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line says it may have to cut the number of children it brings over.

Around 35 children from Belarus visit each year.

They stay with host families for up to four weeks, with everything from flights, travel cost, trips out, eye tests and vitamins, paid for by the charity.

As a consequence of the disaster in the Ukraine in 1986 thousands of children born in neighbouring Belarus develop weakened immune systems, and even cancer.

Visits to Britain, with fresh air, good food and medical care, can extend a child’s life expectancy.

But a proposal to introduce an £86 visa fee for children coming to the UK would mean the Newark and Sherwood link would have to find another £3,000 a year to continue helping the same number of children.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office previously waived the visa charge for children visiting the UK for health reasons.

“This would impact on us hugely. Something would have to give,” said the chairman of the Newark and Sherwood link, Mrs Alison Morley.

“The money would have to come from somewhere. If our members could not raise extra funds we may have to cut back on how many children we help.

“It has been medically proven that the visits allow their immune systems to rest and recuperate adding at least two years to their lives.

“We also supply each child with six months-worth of multi-vitamins and we don’t want to have to stop doing any of that.

“It is extremely sad that our Government is being so short-sighted.”

The nationwide charity, which has around 30 branches, has helped thousands of children.

It is urging people to sign an epetition. It needs 100,000 signatures before January to get the matter debated in Parliament.

Helen Sewell, the group coordinator for the Vale of Belvoir branch, said if the fees were set, the UK would be the only Government in the EU to be charging for the children’s visas.

“All other EU governments provide the visas free of charge in acknowledgement of the important work done by Chernobyl charities with these needy children,” she said.

“We are run entirely by volunteers and meet the full cost of these life-changing visits through our own fundraising endeavours.

“We receive no statutory funding of any kind and I am also concerned that we could be forced to reduce the number of children we help.”

To sign the petition visit epetitions. direct.gov.uk/petitions/37945