1,000 signatures reached
To: The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Let Gazan Students Study Safely — Waive Visa Biometrics
We call on the UK Government to immediately waive biometric requirements for Gazan visa applicants, following the precedent set by other European countries.
We’re calling on the UK government to remove this unnecessary barrier, find safe alternative security checks, and let Gazan students take up their university places.
Sign the petition now — every name adds pressure to act before it’s too late.
Why is this important?
Right now, UK visa rules are blocking students in Gaza from taking up their places at British universities.
The government insists they travel to an in-person biometric appointment — even though war has destroyed Gaza’s infrastructure, made border crossings dangerous, and left safe travel routes closed. For many, it’s simply impossible.
Other European countries — including Ireland, Spain, and Belgium — have recognised this and acted swiftly, waiving the requirement to protect students’ futures. The UK could do the same today.
Refusing to adapt these rules is shutting the door on young people who have earned their places at our universities but are trapped in a war zone.
We’re calling on Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to urgently waive the biometric requirement for Gazan students and put in place safe, workable alternatives.
The rules can change — the question is whether our government will choose fairness and compassion, or keep these barriers in place.
Sign the petition now to demand urgent action before the academic year is lost.
