Thank you for contacting me about support for people fleeing Ukraine.
Visas and Humanitarian Pathway
I welcome the expansive Ukrainian Family Scheme which allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come or stay in the UK. Those joining the Scheme will be granted leave for three years and will be able to work, study and access public funds. The Scheme is also free and does not include any salary or language requirements.
Ukrainians already in the UK can either extend their visa or switch to another immigration route, where eligible, even if their visa does not normally allow them to do so. Guidance on the support available to Ukrainian nationals and their family members can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-natio…
I am especially troubled by reports that desperate Ukrainians who have left their homes have struggled to access the generous support provided by the Government. It is vital that they can do so as quickly as possible. It is encouraging that the Minister for Safe and Legal Migration has updated Parliament on the measures the Government is taking to expedite applications. I am pleased to confirm that staff have been surged to key Visa Application Centres across Europe, particularly Poland, and more biometric kit has been moved to support them. Supporting this work from the UK, the Home Office has put casework teams on standby to process applications to prevent delays.
Calais: It is essential that a choke point is not created at places such as Calais. People smugglers are already present in the region, and it is crucial that people do not attempt to make dangerous Channel crossings to enter the UK. I am encouraged that ministers have worked at pace to ensure there is expanded provision of Visa Application Centres across Europe to meet the increased demand.
Security Checks: Security and biometrics checks are a fundamental part of the UK’s visa approval process. Given the acute security challenges in Ukraine, Russian efforts to infiltrate and merge with Ukrainian forces, the presence of extremists on the ground and Putin’s willingness to use violence on British soil, it is right that the Government continues to protect the public by maintaining these vital checks. This is a policy that has been retained consistently throughout all emergency evacuations, including in Afghanistan.
I am, however, reassured that the Home Secretary has announced changes to the Ukrainian Family Scheme meaning the Government will no longer require Ukrainians with passports to go to a Visa Application Centre to give their biometrics before they come to the UK. Instead, once their application has been considered and appropriate checks have been completed, they will receive direct notification that they are eligible for the Scheme and can come to the UK. In short, Ukrainians with passports will be able to get permission to come to the UK fully online and will be able to give their biometrics once in Britain.
Still in Ukraine: Owing to the security situation, Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Ukraine are currently closed. You can apply at a VAC in any country if you are able to travel safely. VACs are currently operating throughout Europe including in Budapest (Hungary), Chisinau (Moldova), Warsaw (Poland), Bucharest (Romania), and Paris (France).
I have been advised that before attending a VAC you must complete the online application form which can be found at this address: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-natio…
If you are in need of assistance, you can also contact UK Visas and Immigration on this number: +44 808 164 8810. This if a free number with lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Comparison to EU: It is absolutely right that the Government works together with our partners and allies in responding to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.
As you may be aware, it has been the case that people from Ukraine can travel visa free to the EU’s Schengen area since 2017. I appreciate the sentiment behind calls to mirror this visa free entry for those coming to the UK from Ukraine given the current situation. However, I understand that the approach that the UK Government is taking is based on the strongest security advice. While the Home Office has waived normal requirements for salary or language tests, the visa approval process allows for security and biometric checks to take place as they did for the evacuation of people from Afghanistan. The reason for this is to keep British citizens safe, particularly as Russian troops are now infiltrating Ukraine and merging into Ukrainian forces. Unfortunately, we know all too well what Putin's Russia is willing to do, even on our soil, as we saw through the Salisbury attack and the nerve agents used on the streets of the UK. I am encouraged that the UK has increased its visa processing capacity in the region ten-fold in anticipation of increased demand.
Comparison to Syria Response: In response to the brutal conflict in Syria, the UK has spent over £3.7 billion between February 2012 and December 2021. This includes FCDO allocations to over 30 implementing partners (including United Nations agencies, international non-governmental organisations and the Red Cross) and is helping to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable people in Syria and of refugees in the region, while also providing support to refugee-hosting countries. I have been assured that UK support has reached millions of people and has saved lives in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.
Specific Cases (LGBT, Religious Minorities etc.): The UK has a proud record of offering sanctuary to those who need it. I eagerly await the publication of further details regarding the UK's humanitarian offer, but I know that the Government takes its international responsibilities extremely seriously and will grant protection to those in genuine need.
Pets: I am reassured by the fact that the Government has put in place new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets. Using an emergency licence, people fleeing Ukraine can bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the Government.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency is providing quick license approvals and quarantine arrangements to avoid creating additional burdens or delays. The Government will also be covering their vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs. This is in recognition of the fact that many individuals from Ukraine will not have been able to complete the full health preparations required for their pet on arrival.
TLScontact and VFS Global: UK Visas and Immigration has two suppliers, VFS Global and TLScontact, who are contracted to run UK visa application centres (VACs) overseas. UKVI works closely with both suppliers to ensure all VACs are operating to the required quality and efficiency standards through regular monitoring of performance data and customer feedback.
Ukrainian Children: Having spoken with my ministerial colleagues, I have been informed that the position of the Ukrainian Government is quite clear – any Ukrainian child who is currently outside Ukraine may not be adopted or placed in the care of foreigners without the consent of Ukraine. I do, however, welcome the fact that the Home Secretary has, after working directly with the Ukrainian Government, secured permission to bring children from the charity Dnipro Kids who had been caught up in Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine to the UK. It is extremely welcome that the 52 children have arrived in the UK to a safe and warm welcome.
Homes for Ukraine
As you will know, the Government has launched a Homes for Ukraine scheme which allows the British public to open their homes to Ukrainian nationals. It is designed to help quickly bring as many Ukrainians as possible to safety.
Anyone in the UK can become a sponsor, so long as they have at least six months’ leave to remain in the UK. Sponsors will be asked to provide a home or spare room for as long as they are able to and for a minimum of six months. In return for this offer of rent-free accommodation, the Government will provide sponsors with a ‘thank you’ payment of £350 per month for up to 12 months. This will be tax free and will not affect an individual’s benefit entitlement or council tax status.
Individuals with a sponsor will be granted three years leave to remain in the UK and will be entitled to work and access public services. It is encouraging to see that, already, businesses across the country are stepping up with offers to provide jobs to Ukrainians as they enter the UK.
As a nation, it is only right that we do everything we can to help those who have had to leave everything they know and love behind. As such, there will be no limit on the number of Ukrainians who can benefit from this offer of support. Like me, my ministerial colleagues fully appreciate the urgent situation facing Ukrainians and the need to balance this with ensuring the safety of all involved in the sponsorship scheme. Ukrainians arriving in the UK will go through security checks and sponsors will also need to undergo necessary DBS checks.
From Friday 18 March, Ukrainians with a named sponsor can apply to come to the UK. Those who would like to become sponsors but do not know anyone personally fleeing Ukraine can record their interest here: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/. I will be looking out for further updates on expansions to the scheme soon.
At this time when hundreds of thousands of innocent Ukrainians are being forced to flee their homes, I take heart in the outpouring of support and generosity from Britons up and down the nation.
As you will know, the Government has launched a Homes for Ukraine scheme which allows the British public to open their homes to Ukrainian nationals. It is designed to help quickly bring as many Ukrainians as possible to safety.
Anyone in the UK can become a sponsor, so long as they have at least six months’ leave to remain in the UK. Sponsors will be asked to provide a home or spare room for as long as they are able to and for a minimum of six months. In return for this offer of rent-free accommodation, the Government will provide sponsors with a ‘thank you’ payment of £350 per month for up to 12 months. This will be tax free and will not affect an individual’s benefit entitlement or council tax status.
Individuals with a sponsor will be granted three years leave to remain in the UK and will be entitled to work and access public services. It is encouraging to see that, already, businesses across the country are stepping up with offers to provide jobs to Ukrainians as they enter the UK.
As a nation, it is only right that we do everything we can to help those who have had to leave everything they know and love behind. As such, there will be no limit on the number of Ukrainians who can benefit from this offer of support. Like me, my ministerial colleagues fully appreciate the urgent situation facing Ukrainians and the need to balance this with ensuring the safety of all involved in the sponsorship scheme. Ukrainians arriving in the UK will go through security checks and sponsors will also need to undergo necessary DBS checks.
From Friday 18 March, Ukrainians with a named sponsor can apply to come to the UK. Those who would like to become sponsors but do not know anyone personally fleeing Ukraine can record their interest here: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/. I will be looking out for further updates on expansions to the scheme soon.
At this time when hundreds of thousands of innocent Ukrainians are being forced to flee their homes, I take heart in the outpouring of support and generosity from Britons up and down the nation.
Using the properties of Russian oligarchs: I am encouraged that the Government is already taking action against the billions of pounds worth of UK property accumulated by the Russian state-linked individuals and companies. Individuals on the sanctions list have had their assets frozen and the Economic Crime Act is helping to strengthen transparency on land ownership. As you will appreciate, this is a complex matter and one which I will be monitoring closely.
Offer to rent a home: I recognise that many people would like to assist those who are fleeing Ukraine but are unable to offer rooms within their own homes. That is why I welcome that individuals can offer a separate property for refugees, so long as this is provided rent-free, is fit to live in, is suitable for the number of people offered help, and is available for at least six months. Those who rent will need to seek the permission of their landlord before signing up to become a sponsor.
Council tax discount: I have spoken to my ministerial colleagues who have assured me that council tax discounts will not be affected by an individual's choice to participate in the Homes for Ukraine scheme and host a Ukrainian household in their home. Additionally, the £350 'thank you' payment will not affect council tax status.
Sponsoring displaced Ukrainian children: There are specific concerns about supporting vulnerable and displaced children in Ukraine. Having spoken with my ministerial colleagues, I have been informed that the position of the Ukrainian Government is quite clear: any Ukrainian child who is currently outside Ukraine may not be adopted or placed in the care of foreigners without the consent of Ukraine. I have been assured that the UK Government is doing all it can to provide aid, hospitality and facilities to those countries, with almost £400 million pledged to help the Ukrainian people.
Britons can offer sponsorship to Ukrainian children who come to the UK with their families as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Local councils are being supported to provide the robust safeguarding and wraparound services that will be vital in ensuring that vulnerable children and young people are safely supported and settled into the UK.
£350 payment: I do believe that it is only right that those who open their homes to those fleeing Ukraine are offered a ‘thank you’ payment in recognition of their generosity and to help cover associated costs. However, I should add that this payment is entirely optional and will be limited to one payment per residential address. A payment will not be made until the local authority has carried out a property check to ensure that accommodation is safe, heated and free from health hazards.
Household insurance: It is important for sponsors to consider any implications for their insurance before guests arrive, and I am glad that insurers have agreed that homeowners accommodating Ukrainian nationals will not need to contact their insurer. This is because those coming to the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme will be non-paying guests. You can find further information by searching: https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/ukraine-cr…
Landlord insurance: It is important for sponsors to consider any implications for their insurance before guests arrive in the UK. Those who are interested in applying to be a sponsor should refer to their insurer’s website where further advice will be available as soon as possible. I understand that where a potential sponsor is a landlord or a tenant, the Government is advising them to contact their insurer in the first instance. I am told that the Association of British Insurers is regularly engaging with the Government and the Financial Conduct Authority, and I will continue to monitor any further announcements closely.
Organisations as sponsors: I admire the efforts seen up and down the country to support Ukrainians and I appreciate that many organisations are eager to offer sponsorship to individuals fleeing Ukraine. It is my understanding that community groups and organisations, such as charities, will be able to sponsor refugees at a subsequent stage of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. I look forward to further details on this soon.
To record your interest and receive updates on the scheme, please visit: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/
Supporting Councils
Local councils have a vital role to play in ensuring the success of this scheme, and the Government has published guidance to assist them in offering the warmest welcome to Ukrainians arriving in the UK. Local authorities will be bolstered with substantial support worth £10,500 in extra funding per person plus additional top-ups available for child education. This will empower local authorities to offer wider support to Ukrainian families and help them to integrate into communities. I know that the Government is committed to providing a full wraparound service that also encompasses sponsors.
To help bring as many Ukrainians to safety as quickly as possible, this initial stage of the local sponsorship scheme is focused on Ukrainians who have a named sponsor in the UK. As the scheme continues, I know that organisations such as charities and faith groups will be instrumental in helping those who do not know anyone personally fleeing Ukraine. Groups can record their interest using the following link to receive updates on the scheme: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/
I have spoken to my ministerial colleagues who assure me that the Government will continue to work with local authorities to help Ukrainians fleeing persecution to feel at home here in the UK. Let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those in local government involved in our national humanitarian efforts.
Craig Whittaker MP
March 2022