What is the Welsh Government's position on taking more refugees from Gaza to Wales?
Immigration, including asylum and the status and capacity of persons in the United Kingdom who are not British citizens are reserved matters to the UK Government. The UK Government decides on claims for asylum and whether an individual is given refugee status or humanitarian protection. The UK Government also decides on the designation of countries eligible for safe and legal routes.
On 24th June 2026 the UK Government announced the resumption of UK supported medical evacuations of critically ill and injured children and their immediate families from Gaza. The UK Government confirmed in their statement that individuals arriving under this scheme will be granted temporary permission to stay in the UK, including access to appropriate healthcare and support. The detail of the scheme, including Wales’s participation, is currently being worked through.
On 24th June the UK Government also announced that it would renew support for high achieving students from Gaza to take up fully funded scholarships at UK universities for the 2026/27 academic year. This is for students who hold fully funded and verifiable scholarships, and who meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules. Further details of the UK Government scheme can be found here: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament and Scholarships for students from Gaza - GOV.UK. The Welsh Government is supportive of this initiative, which helps ensure that talented students can continue their education despite the significant challenges they face.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is responsible for the support to eligible students and their eligible dependants, to try to exit Gaza and travel to the UK.