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UNITED KINGDOM: ‘Homes for Ukraine’ Scheme
March 14, 2022
The ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme will extend provisions for Ukrainian nationals to obtain UK visa status. Details announced today confirmed that with no current tie to the UK needed, the new initiative will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to sponsor visa status for Ukrainians fleeing the crisis.
Tens of thousands of displaced Ukrainians are expected to benefit from the new scheme with the government confirming no limit to the number of Ukrainian refugees who can live with UK host families.
This is the second visa scheme implemented by the government in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
The first, the Ukrainian Family Scheme, has allowed Ukrainians with an immediate or extended family member settled in the UK to apply to join them. The latest Home Office figures indicate that approximately 4,000 out of 17,100 applications have been successful to date via this route.
Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, people in the UK will be able to nominate an individual or family to stay with them rent-free, or in another property, for at least six months. Organisations such as charities and churches will also be able to sponsor refugees.
Once individuals arrive in the UK they will be able stay in the UK for at least three years with access to NHS, public services and schools. Hosts will receive £350 a month with local authorities receiving £10,500 of extra funding per refugee for support services and more to be added for school age children.
The government will publish full details of how to apply under the scheme in the coming days – applications to host refugees will be made online and both hosts and refugees will be vetted.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said last night the process of matching Britons with people fleeing the conflict will take place from Friday, while he expects the first refugees to use the new route will make their way to the UK by the end of the week.
If you are keen to get involved with the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you will shortly be able to register your interest online. Newland Chase will continue to provide updates when new information is released.
Further Assistance
We are committed to supporting our clients with any and all questions arising from this situation, providing assistance for the UK and across the globe.
Individuals impacted by these developments are encouraged to contact their Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UK, please contact us.
