Thank you for contacting me about British support for Ukrainian nationals.
I am appalled by the conduct of Putin’s expansionist regime. The Russian attack on Ukraine is an unprovoked and anti-democratic act of aggression. I am proud that Britain is actively seeking to assist Ukraine in every aspect of this conflict. Ministers have assured me that they continue to keep the Government’s handling of the situation under review as it develops.
Three distinct pathways are in operation for Ukrainian nationals to come to the UK: the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme. Outside of these routes, there are provisions for Ukrainians already in the UK to extend their current visa or switch to another one provided eligibility requirements are met, even if their current visa does not usually allow this.
I am particularly pleased that the Government continues to ensure the routes to the UK are operating as effectively as possible so Ukrainians can continue to reach, or remain in, a place of safety. Eligibility for the Ukraine Extension Scheme has recently been extended to allow those who have and continue to arrive after 18 March 2022, until 16 May 2023, to apply. Moreover, in June, the Government announced that the Homes for Ukraine Scheme will allow eligible children under the age of 18 who are not travelling with or joining a parent or legal guardian to come to the UK in carefully defined circumstances.
Further guidance on UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals and their family members can be found at this address: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-natio…;
I agree it is vital that vulnerable Ukrainians are able to access the generous supported provided by the Government. Application forms have been simplified to make it quick and easy to use, the Home Office has increased capacity in Visa Application Centres across Europe, following advice from security and intelligence agencies that it was safe to do so, the need for
biometrics to be taken from those with valid Ukrainian passports before arrival in the UK has been removed, allowing the vast majority of applicants to apply entirely online. I have also been assured that Ministers regularly monitor the schemes' operational performance, bringing in additional caseworkers to ensure Ukrainian applications are prioritised.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.