I know many of my constituents care a huge deal about current events in Ukraine. As a result of Russia’s expansionist actions, the UK have been seeking to help Ukraine in every aspect – with all actions under constant review as the situation on the ground develops.
With regard to the huge number of families fleeing Ukraine, the Government has announced a number of routes for refugees to come to the UK.
Firstly, Ukrainians already in the UK can either extend their visa or switch to another immigration route where eligible, even if their visa would not normally allow for this.
Ukrainian Family Scheme
The Government has also announced an expansive Ukrainian Family Scheme, which allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come and stay in the UK. Those applying under this scheme will be granted leave for three years and will be able to work, study and access public funds.
The Ukrainian Family scheme has been changed so that Ukrainian’s with passports are no longer required to go to a Visa Application Centre to give their biometrics. Instead, once their application has been considered and security checks have been completed, they will get permission to come to the UK fully online and give their biometrics once in Britain.
I am pleased that this scheme does not include any salary or language requirements, and usual application fees have been waived. Further details of this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-nationals-in-ukraine-and-ukrainian-nationals-in-ukraine-and-the-uk.
Homes for Ukraine
Secondly, the UK has announced the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, which has already seen over 100,000 Brits sign up to help bring those Ukrainians to safety who do not have family ties to the UK.
This scheme allows for individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to sign up and sponsor Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.
As part of this, individuals who provide homes or spare rooms rent-free (for a minimum of six months) will receive £350 per month to help with costs. Those arriving under this scheme will receive three years leave to remain, with entitlement to work and access public services.
You can find out further information and record your interest in the scheme here: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/.
To aid with applications, the Government has put in place a number of measures to expedite applications, including transferring additional staff to key visa application centres across Europe.
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