The situation facing Ukrainian refugees living in Stirling has been raised as the Homes for Ukraine scheme reaches the six-month mark.
The UK Government scheme, which was launched in March this year, allows locals to host families fleeing the conflict within their own homes for a minimum period of six months.
Local councils will then put those who have nominated themselves to host in touch with refugees hoping to settle in Scotland - but questions have been put forward about the fate of Ukrainians who are being forced to move as the initial period expires.
The most recent figures issued by the UK Government have revealed that 127 refugees have arrived in Stirling since the beginning of the scheme, with a total of 157 visas approved for new arrivals.
Stirling’s MSP raised the question of uncertainty over the future of those moving with the Scottish Government’s Culture, Europe and International Development Minister, Neil Gray, at a debate in Holyrood on September 8.
In his response, Mr Gray said: “The UK Government is contacting hosts who are approaching six months of hosting Ukrainians under the homes for Ukraine private sponsorship route to encourage them to consider extending their hosting.
“I encourage any Ukrainians who will not be staying with their current host to speak to their local authority about what support is available in their local area.
“Although it is a three-year visa scheme, so far the UK Government has confirmed funding for only one year. We continue to urge the UK Government to provide clarity on the funding of future years of the scheme.
“I support the now former minister for refugees Richard Harrington’s recent call for the UK Government to double thank-you payments for hosts to £700.
“Evelyn Tweed can be assured that I will look to have an early meeting with the new minister who has responsibility for Ukrainian refugees, and with Treasury ministers, to ensure their continued support for the schemes.”
Following the debate, Ms Tweed said: “The people of Ukraine fleeing unimaginable circumstances in their country were met with warm and open arms here in Scotland, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been supporting people in such hard circumstances over the last six months.
“Many of the host families will be continuing on with the Homes for Ukraine scheme, but there are of course other homes which cannot continue beyond six months because of various reasons including financial or personal circumstances.
“It’s therefore really important that we have absolute clarity on what lies ahead for Ukrainians who will be moving elsewhere, to make the transition and next steps for them as smooth as possible.
“I welcomed the minister’s response confirming that the Scottish Government are aware of the importance of this, and I join minister Neil Gray in urging the UK government to prioritise this as a matter of urgency.
“Both the Ukrainian refugees and the host families deserve absolute clarity on what lies ahead.
“Anyone who feels they are no longer able to extend their involvement with the Homes for Ukraine scheme should contact Stirling Council for more information and support, or my constituency office who will be more than happy to help.”
