A new refugee scheme has launched in the UK allowing families to put themselves forward to host Ukrainians fleeing the war.
The Homes for Ukraine programme will enable people, charities and community groups to help refugees with no links to the UK to arrive here. Previously Ukrainians had to apply for a visa and it was limited to those with family members here.
From today people can register their interest in offering shelter to refugees, then from Friday the process of matching Britons with Ukrainians fleeing the conflict will take place, according to Michael Gove.
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The Levelling Up Secretary said he expects the first refugees to use the new route will make their way to the UK by the end of the week.
Mr Gove added that more than 3,000 visas have so far been issued to Ukrainians seeking help in the UK, with the Cabinet minister estimating “tens of thousands” more will be provided.
How does the scheme work?
Anyone with a room or home available can offer it to a Ukrainian individual or a family, though those offering will be vetted and Ukrainian applicants will undergo security checks.
Members of the public will be able to nominate a Ukrainian family to stay with them for at least six months.
Sponsored Ukrainians will be granted three years’ leave to remain in the UK, with entitlement to work and access public services.
Details have not yet been released on what security checks will be carried out, but Mr Gove has said measures will be taken to ensure the scheme won’t be exploited or abused, while the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has called for child protection to be incorporated.
How do you apply?
The Government is due to launch its website at some point today, Monday, where you can register your interest in supporting Ukrainian refugees.
What compensation is there for hosting?
Britons offering accommodation to Ukrainian refugees will receive a “thank you” payment of £350 per month.
Mr Gove has also said local authority areas will be entitled to more than £10,000 per Ukrainian refugee using the fresh route to the UK.
“Additional payments” will be available to support school-age children who need to be accommodated within the education system, he said.
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