The UK Government has now launched a new scheme to help Ukraine refugees to find homes in the UK and help with the war that is going on between Russia and Ukraine. There is plenty of Ukraine Refugee’s that are escaping Ukraine looking for support and help from all over the world. The UK has now launched the scheme called: The Homes For Ukraine, it will allow any individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainian refugee’s to safety including those who have no family in the UK.

Any individual that will be a sponsor will be asked to provide homes or a spare room that has to be rent-free for as long as minimum of 6 months and in return the sponsor will get £350 per month. The £350 per month will also be tax-free and the sponsor will not have to supply food and living expenses but the sponsor can choose to offer this if they want to. Those that have named a Ukrainian refugee that they wish to sponsor should contact the Ukrainian refugee directly and prepare to fill in a visa application, with the visa application that will be launching on Friday 18th March 2022. The sponsor will be able to register their interest online through the GOV site. Almost three million people have now fled Ukraine since Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian invasion nearly three weeks ago.

Any Charity, faith groups or local community organisations are willing to help facilitate connections between individuals, for potential sponsors who do not have a named contact. As part of this new scheme Ukrainian refugee’s will also be able to have access to the NHS and any other public services, their children will also be able to attend local schools. Local authorises will also receive £10,500 in extra funding per refugee for support-services with more for children of school age. In addition, local councils will check that the accommodation offered is suitable for the refugee, also a follow up maybe offered to the sponsor and refugee to make sure everything is going smoothly and correctly.

Any Ukrainian refugee that will be entering the UK under this specific scheme will be granted a 3 years leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services. All applicants will be vetted and will also undergo security checks. The sponsor will also be subjected to vetting as well.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove said:

• “The courage shown by the Ukrainian people in the face of devastation caused by the invasion of their great country is nothing short of remarkable.”
• “The United Kingdom has a long and proud history of helping others in their hour of need and our New Homes for Ukraine scheme offers lifeline to those who have been forced to flee.”
• “I’m asking people across our country who can provide a home for Ukrainians to consider being sponsors.”
• “The scheme is open to nationals and residents of Ukraine, but those who are eligible are Ukrainian nationals and immediate family members who had been a resident prior to 1st January.”