Given the pace of developments the below information is mainly in the form of links which we will keep updated.
The Government ‘Homes for Ukraine Scheme’ has now been launched with details of how sponsors can and find more information from the home page and go on to register their interest. and access the frequently asked questions.
Please see links to the full announcement by the Home Secretary on 1st March 2022
Home Office: Immigration information for Ukrainians in the UK, British nationals and their family members
Running alongside the Homes for Ukraine Scheme is the Visa Support For Ukrainian Nationals which provides information and guidance for those seeking to apply under the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme
29th March 2022 a written Ministerial Statement by Minister Kevin Foster confirmed the government is now formally bringing the Ukraine Family Scheme, launched on 4 March 2022; the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme launched on 18 March 2022; and a new Ukraine Extension Scheme, which will launch on 3 May 2022 into the Immigration Rules.
The WMS can be viewed via this link: Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament
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Department for Levelling Up
Homes for Ukraine: Translations added to welcome guide
On 6th April 2022 DLUHC added Ukrainian and Russian translations to the welcome guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.
The welcome guide includes information on what Ukrainians need to know in the first few days, getting used to life in the UK including how to find a home, access essential public services, healthcare, find work and childcare and education services. It also includes specific information for those arriving on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Councils, sponsors and Ukrainians should continue to check the Homes for Ukraine campaign page and frequently asked questions document for further updates.
Guidance:
Guidance in English; Guidance in Ukrainian: Guidance in Russian
Key Information:
Department for Work and Pensions:
Work and Pensions Secretary Topical Statement: Homes for Ukraine
Immediate benefit support for those fleeing the invasion in Ukraine
Statistics
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently released Use of Census 2021 preliminary counts in England and Wales to support and inform the response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine . For the South East we have provided summary uinofrmation by county areas :
The Home Office has, published the latest data on applications to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme or Homes for Ukraine. The data includes totals for visa applications received and visas issued to people.
Local Government Association Information
The Home Office published it’s ‘Home for Ukraine: guidance for councils‘ on Friday 18th March 2022.
The ‘Welcome Guide‘ was published on 30th March 2022.
The LGA provides a range of information and updates for English councils; Ukraine: LGA position and statements
Homes for Ukraine: Lessons Learned – The LGA provides information and best practice to support councils in their efforts to ensure accommodation for Ukrainians arriving in Britain is of a suitable standard and that their guests are safe.
The LGA also provides a Knowledge Hub Group on Homes for Ukraine for councils to log into.
More Information
The Migration Observatory has recently published information on Migration and the Ukraine Crisis
British-Ukrainian AID British-Ukrainian Aid supports people suffering from the war and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine by aligning UK and Ukrainian efforts. They offer assistance to vulnerable individuals who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged, including the injured and wounded, orphaned children, the elderly, internally displaced persons and families who have lost their main earners.
Fundraiser for Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain – This campaign is being organised by a community partnership of Ukrainian churches and organisations in Great Britain. Working with accredited and registered Ukrainian charities to provide medicines, food and critical services to support the most vulnerable to overcome the consequences and trauma of war
Red Cross – Help for Ukrainian nationals in the UK. The British Red Cross supports people from Ukraine who are in the UK. The information on this page will help you and your family to find out about services and support and that might be available.
Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal | Disasters Emergency Committee The DEC is made up of 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response. DEC charities are in Ukraine and neighbouring countries meeting the needs of all refugees and displaced people.
RESET Communities and Refugees have recently published the first of their toolkits for sponsors and those approaching the programme. We understand there is more to follow, including e-learning. RESET inform us they are are also making matches between potential sponsors and those who wish to come to the UK on their portal
