Today is the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and six months have passed since the conflict first broke out.
Under the government’s Ukraine visa programmes, more than 115,000 Ukrainians have landed in the UK.
The government is urging more individuals to offer their homes as sponsors while the fight rages on.
The UK government is urging more people to volunteer to assist house Ukrainians escaping the conflict as they celebrate their independence day.
More than 115,000 Ukrainians have been provided protection in the UK so far via both the family and sponsorship programmes thanks to the kindness and generosity of tens of thousands of individuals.
The UK’s largest offer of accommodation for refugees since 1946 is this enormous communal and community initiative.
However, many Ukrainians are still searching for a haven of sanctuary in houses all around the UK as Putin’s savage assault continues.
Those who are interested in supporting the Homes for Ukraine programme can register their interest online and find out more information.
Those interested in finding a host may get in touch with reputable companies that are listed online. These companies can provide assistance and advice on how to become a sponsor as well as help people locate matches securely.
Additionally, a record of interest will be sent to the local government, who may get in touch to inquire about potential sponsorship opportunities in the region.
The host, Alison Edwards, said:
Even if the chance to meet our charming Ukrainian friend came about for the worst circumstances, we are happy to have done so. We are very appreciative that our friend has joined us since, by accident, we have a lot in common, and our kids have loved getting to know him or her.
We consider Ukraine to be a new honorary family member.
Warmth and humour have been supplied by our charming visitor.
We are hopeful for our guest’s future and are thinking about her family in Ukraine.
This nation has pledged to provide Ukrainians a place to live while they are in the UK. After six months, some visitors may require a new home to stay, and new sponsors who come up will assist local authorities in making sure they have a place to establish roots in the community.
Under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, the government is giving councils £10,500 per individual to help them assist families as they rebuild their lives and establish roots in the neighbourhood.
The £10,500 includes a one-time payment of £200 that authorities will provide to each visitor from Ukraine upon arrival as well as a monthly “thank you” payment of £350 to sponsors for their expenses related to helping out.
Three out of four current hosts said they wish to continue helping their Ukrainian visitors, but if this is not possible, fresh housing offers must be made to Ukrainians currently residing in the UK.
In these situations, councils are providing a rematching service to help those who fall under the Homes for Ukraine programme find new sponsors.
Lord Harrington, minister for refugees, said:
The great nation of Ukraine celebrated its independence 31 years ago today, and six months ago today, Russian tanks crossed the border, marking two sombre and significant chapters in the country’s rich history.
Since 1946, the United Kingdom has offered refuge to more than 115,000 persons escaping conflict, and we continue to stand side to shoulder as more and more Ukrainians come.
I encourage everyone in the audience to step up and join the thousands of others in offering a safe refuge for those forced to flee their country. Those who have decided to sponsor Ukrainians epitomise British compassion and community spirit.
The great majority of individuals wish to offer assistance for more than 6 months, which is a monument to the warmth and generosity of the British people, according to a recent ONS poll of sponsors about their experiences with the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Of course, they will continue to get £350 “thank you” payments for another six months, and the Ukrainians they sponsor are entitled to employment, benefits, and public services, including healthcare and education, immediately away.
Devolved governments, charities, faith-based organisations, corporations, councils, and communities have all joined together to provide individuals coming from Ukraine the much-needed help.
Further information
You may get in touch with one of our Recognized Providers if you wish to locate a host right away.
Your local council will also be provided with a record of your interest, and they may get in touch with you to explore any potential sponsorship opportunities in your community.
To assist individuals escaping Putin’s conflict, the government has launched three new visa programmes: the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, and the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
Ukrainians who arrived in the UK and were granted a six-month leave should make sure, if they haven’t already, that they complete the necessary steps to extend their stay to three years.
Although Ukrainians who have previously registered their biometrics and obtained their biometric residency permit (BRP) do not need to take any more step, they may do this on GOV.UK.