Abbots Langley couple who saved Ukrainian family still stuck abroad

Steve Billington and his Ukrainian wife Iryna Shyhera, from Abbots Langley, drove to Opole in Poland to rescue his brother-in-law’s wife and their two children – aged three and 13 - who managed to escape the conflict.

An exclusive Watford Observer report revealed the family were then turned away at Calais and told if they drove to Brussels they would get a visa within 24 hours - despite the centre being closed that day.

They are now shelling out around €200 per day at a hotel in Beauvais while waiting for their travel documents.

The Ukrainian family stuck abroad

Home Secretary Priti Patel said from Tuesday Ukrainian refugees can obtain visas to come to the UK without having to visit an application centre in Europe.

But Mr Billington says it is not that simple, adding: "I'm not going to put them through that again after what happened last week.

"I thought you were just going to be able to turn up at the border on Tuesday - I even booked a Euro Tunnel crossing.

"But they are saying you need some form of approval from the home office."

A British government notice on a welcome desk at the ferry terminal in Calais. Credit: PA

Last week he pleaded with border control officers to let them through, but they threatened to have them forcefully removed by French police and said they would not be able to enter in the future.

Before the Observer’s initial report, the Home Secretary did not announce the new “streamlined” application process for Ukrainian refugees.

Now speaking on the announcement, Mr Billington said: "It seems like Priti Patel made this announcement without checking with people on the ground who are saying no you can't do that.

"So we still need to go to the visa centre in Paris to hand over their passports and have their finger prints taken.

"We're probably going to be here for another week."

Home Secretary Priti Patel speaking to the media outside the Ukrainian embassy in London. Credit: PA

Yesterday (March 14) the family got back from Paris and had their biometrics checked. They were told to wait three to seven days before the visas are ready to get picked up from Paris.

A Government spokesperson said: “Last week we announced a new sponsorship route which will allow Ukrainians with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored to come to the UK.

“This is alongside our Ukraine Family Scheme, which has already seen thousands of people apply, as well as changes to visas so that people can stay in the UK safely.

“The routes we have put in place follow extensive engagement with Ukrainian partners. This is a rapidly moving and complex picture and as the situation develops, we will continue to keep our support under constant review.”