Almost 1,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been issued visas which have been sponsored by people in Merseyside, according to Government figures.
As of Tuesday (26 July), 956 visas have been issued for refugees sponsored by people across the region, figures published by the Home Office and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities shows. In total, 1,092 applications have so far been made across the boroughs of Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.
The data shows 720 refugees sponsored by people in Merseyside had arrived in the UK under Ukraine visa schemes as of Monday (25 July).
In total across the UK, 104,000 people had arrived under the Government’s family scheme and Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme since they were launched in March, according to data from the Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration. The schemes allow those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine to come to the UK for up to three years.
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Overall, there have been almost 200,000 visa applications, meaning just over half of those who have applied have arrived in the UK. As of Tuesday, the figures show around 198,200 applications have been made for visas, and 166,200 visas have been issued.
These include 55,000 applications under the family scheme, of which 47,200 visas have been granted, and 143,200 applications under the sponsorship scheme, of which 119,000 visas have been granted. Overall, 62.6% of those who have been issued with visas under either scheme have reached the UK.
52.5% of those who have applied for visas under the schemes have so far arrived in the country. The Government thanked members of the public for their generosity in opening their homes to those seeking safety.
Maria Kartashova, who lives with her host in Surrey, said the UK public is giving “more than help” to Ukrainians. She said: “You support us at every stage, spend your time and energy, pay attention and give care. I cannot put into words how grateful I am.”
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Greg Clark thanked everyone who has welcomed Ukrainians into their homes. He said: “Behind this milestone however are 100,000 stories of pain – families split apart and forced to leave their fathers, sons and brothers.
“That is why we want peace and security in Ukraine so that its brave people can be safe at home again.”
Earlier this week, former Everton director Sarvar Ismailov was sanctioned due to his ties to Russia. Ismailov is the nephew of Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov and was named among a list of new figures to be hit with action following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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