Ukrainians who fled to UK can be allowed to remain for 18 months longer

Ukrainians who fled to the UK after Vladimir Putin’s invasion can be allowed to remain in Britain for an additional 18 months.

The Home Office mentioned immediately it might lengthen programme granting three 12 months emergency visas to round 200,000 refugees – the primary of which had been set to run out subsequent March. Two thirds of refugees surveyed in September mentioned the looming deadline had hampered their capability to search out work. And 90% mentioned they felt “unsettled” due to the time restrict.

Now Ukrainians who got here into the UK underneath the Homes for Ukraine scheme, the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme will have the ability to apply for an extension from early subsequent 12 months. That will imply the primary visas handed out underneath the schemes will final till September 2026.

Immigration minister Tom Pursglove mentioned: “Families across the country have opened their homes and their hearts to the people of Ukraine, showing extraordinary generosity, including offering shelter to those fleeing from the horrors of war. This new visa extension scheme provides certainty and reassurance for Ukrainians in the UK on their future as this war continues, and we will continue to provide a safe haven for those fleeing the conflict.”

Felicity Buchan, the Minister for Housing and Communities, mentioned: “This is brilliant news for Ukrainians who have found refuge in the UK and are contributing so positively in our communities. I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary generosity shown by sponsors across the country. The Government continues to provide them with ‘thank-you’ payments in recognition of their support.

“As more families arrive, we will need more sponsors to come forward. I encourage anyone interested in hosting to check their eligibility and apply as soon as they can.”