Jamie Greene (West
Scotland) (Con)
Christian Action, Research and Education has warned that
processing a large number of Ukrainian refugee visas might mean
that some of the red flags that are usually used in vetting are
missed. What discussions has the cabinet secretary had with UK
Government officials, the National Crime
Agency or Police Scotland to ensure that no refugee who
comes from Ukraine to Scotland becomes a victim of exploitation,
via serious organised criminal gangs or otherwise?
The Minister for Community
Safety (Ash Regan)
The member is absolutely right to raise that point. We know that
that could be a risk and a number of immediate measures have been
taken to respond to the crisis, including the monitoring of
online searches. A spike in searches for Ukrainian women for sex
and marriage has already been recorded. Translated information is
being provided to fleeing Ukrainian nationals in country that
informs them of their rights and options. The temporary
protection mechanism that the European Union established also
includes a temporary residence permit and access to the
employment market.
On 13 March, the OSCE’s special representative co-ordinator for
combating trafficking visited the Polish reception centres,
looking to inform policy makers on how best we can support those
who are displaced and prevent the risk of trafficking.
Once refugees come into Scotland, we will need to look at risks
and safeguarding.
It is great that so many Scots will potentially open up their
homes as part of the UK Government’s sponsorship scheme, but we
have some concerns about the matching process. We are seeking
further information on the approach that will be taken to
safeguarding, and I will update the chamber when we have more
information on that.
