The UK Home Office has declared that Ukrainian refugees can now extend their visas by an additional 18 months, in response to their displacement due to the Russian invasion.
Since March 2022, over 200,000 Ukrainian visa recipients have sought refuge in the UK, with the initial batch of visas set to expire in March of the following year.
The Home Office asserts that this new extension will offer Ukrainians in the UK stability and confidence during their stay.
In light of this announcement, the government has issued a call to action for more British households to host Ukrainian refugees.
However, the Local Government Association (LGA) has expressed concerns, advocating for a reassessment of the financial aid allocated to Ukrainians at risk of homelessness.
Tom Pursglove, the minister responsible for legal migration, commended the UK families for their remarkable hospitality towards Ukrainian refugees, emphasizing that the visa extension scheme aims to provide peace of mind regarding their future amidst the ongoing conflict. The scheme is part of the UK’s commitment to offering refuge to those escaping the war.
Eduard Fesko from the Ukrainian embassy acknowledged the UK’s support as a significant gesture of solidarity.
The UK’s call for its residents to shelter Ukrainian refugees began in March 2022, following the invasion by Russia.
Michael Gove, the housing secretary, highlighted the UK’s historical tradition of aiding those in crisis, describing the visa programs as crucial for the displaced Ukrainians.
Initially, the visa schemes allowed for a three-year residency in the UK, which would have concluded in March 2025.
Earlier in January, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Ukraine, on Friday, and declared an increase in military assistance to Ukraine for the upcoming year.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion, the UK has been a major ally to Kyiv. Sunak announced that the UK’s support will be ramped up in the next fiscal year, reaching £2.5 billion, which is £200 million more than the assistance provided over the last two years.
