The situation in Ukraine remains deeply concerning and Lucy Allan MP has welcomed the work the Home Office has been doing over the course of recent weeks in anticipation of an invasion to stand up a comprehensive package of support for those fleeing Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals already in the UK.
The situation is developing quickly, and so the Government has to evolve its plans to adapt. The Home Secretary has announced a new expansive Ukrainian Family Scheme which will enable British nationals and Ukrainians already settled in the UK to bring a wider group of family members to the country, extending eligibility to parents, grandparents, adult offspring and siblings. This generous offer broadens the original package beyond immediate family members which formed part of the first phase of the Government’s humanitarian response. Those joining family in the UK will be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months and will be able to work and access public funds.
Where family members of British nationals do not meet the usual eligibility criteria – but pass security checks – UK Visas and Immigration will give them permission to enter the UK outside the rules for 12 months and is prioritising all applications.
Furthermore, the Government is establishing a humanitarian sponsorship pathway, which will open up a route to the UK for Ukrainians who may not have family ties with the UK but who are able to match with individuals, charities, businesses, and community groups. Those who come under this scheme will also be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months and will be able to work and access public services.
Security and biometrics checks, which are a fundamental part of the UK’s visa approval process at all Visa Application Centres worldwide, will continue to take place at an accelerated pace on all applications.
Britain continues to lead and is doing its fair share in every aspect of this Ukraine conflict. Ministers have assured Lucy that they continue to keep the Government’s handling of the situation under review as it develops.
Homes for Ukraine
The UK is one of the most generous nations in the world and the British public are now being asked to go one step further and open their homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
We have a long history of helping others in their hour of need and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme offers a lifeline to those forced to flee their homes.
How this works
This bespoke scheme will offer a route to those who want to come to the UK who have someone here willing to provide them with a home. It will enable individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for Ukrainians, and their immediate family members, forced to escape their homeland.
Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but we have a minimum expectation of 6 months.
Someone is eligible for the scheme if they are a Ukrainian national or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national, and were resident in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022.
We will welcome as many arrivals as possible, based on the number of sponsors.
People arriving under this scheme will be able to:
- Live and work in the UK for up to three years
- Access healthcare, benefits, employment support, education, and English language tuition
I'm interested, how do I register?
If you have a named person who you wish to sponsor you should get in contact with them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application with all their details and yours. The visa application will go live on Friday 18 March.
If you don’t know anyone who you wish to sponsor you may wish to get in touch with charities, faith groups or local community organisations who are starting to make connections between individuals.
You can also record your interest as an individual or as an organisation (for example charity, business, community group). Please read the rest of this form and the FAQs first before recording your offer of support, and we will keep in touch with you with updates as the scheme opens and develops.
Helpful links:
The Government has also put together a website with useful links and information which you can access here:
Ukraine: what you can do to help - GOV.UK
You can make donations to the Ukrainian humanitarian effort through the following NGOs:
- British Red Cross,
- Choose Love,
- Project Hope,
- Unicef,
- APKMUK
- International Rescue Committee
- Polish Humanitarian Action
The UK’s Ukrainian Embassy has also set up its own donation service: With Ukraine
