The first stage of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme is now live with record numbers of people coming forward to offer accommodation. The overall scheme allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties to the UK. In the first phase potential sponsors in the UK will be able to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property. Ukrainians arriving in the UK under this scheme will be granted 3 years leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services. Sponsor households will be vetted and will undergo security checks.
The scheme has been launched using the learning from the experience of other refugee settlement schmes although every situation is unique and specific factors have to be taken into account. The UK Government has been working closely with the Ukranian Ambassador in the UK and Ukranian MPs determine the best way to work in this situation.
The scheme is in early stages and there are many questions being asked. FAQs are published on the GOV.UK website and are regularly updated. On the website you will find an overview of the scheme together with sections with information for sponsors and for those arriving in the UK.
Local councils play a critical role in the scheme and Guidance for them is also published which sets out how the scheme will work and covers many other FAQs.