UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Chernobyl children return to UK

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Belarusian children affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster have resumed respite trips to the UK and other destinations following resolution of a diplomatic dispute with Belarus.

The ban, implemented after a 16 year old girl refused to return home, was lifted following talks between the UK's Home Office and the Belarusian president, Mr Alexander Lukashenko.

Children in the Chernobyl area continue to contract a range of leukaemias, cancers and birth defects as a result of eating food grown in plutonium contaminated soil. Children from the affected areas had previously enjoyed respite trips to the UK, US, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland to recuperate, boost immunity levels and detoxify their systems. Under the revised respite scheme, visits will be backed by written guarantees and be open to Belarusian children aged under 14 years.

Ms Olwyn Keogh, Director of the UK charity, Friends of Chernobyl's Children (FCC) said they were 'absolutely elated' by the new agreement and were already hosting 300 children.

UK Borders and Immigration Minster, Mr Phil Woolas, said:

"We're pleased we have been able to reach an agreement with Belarus that allows these visits to resume, and remain in place for at least the next five years. This agreement will enable UK charities to continue their worthwhile work, and for many more children to visit the UK for a temporary period of rest and recuperation".

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