UK ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme announced
The Government launched a website on 14th March where sponsors can record their interest, ahead of Phase One of the Homes for Ukraine scheme opening for applications on 18th March 2022. (Click here to read the announcement).
The Homes for Ukraine scheme will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties to the UK. Click here to register on the Homes for Ukraine webpage.
Phase One of the scheme will allow sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property. Sponsors will be kept updated on the scheme.
- Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but we have a minimum expectation of 6 months.
- Someone is eligible for the scheme if they are a Ukrainian national or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national, and were resident in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022. The Government states that it will welcome as many arrivals as possible, based on the number of sponsors.
People arriving under this scheme will be able to:
- Live and work in the UK for up to three years
- Access healthcare, benefits, employment support, education, and English language tuition
Click here for Government guidance for expressions of interest (charities, businesses and community groups) explaining rights and information that you are entitled to under UK data protection legislation.
Keep up to date with ways to help Ukraine
International Newcastle has a webpage which is regularly updated with links to advice on how to help Ukraine. Click here for our Ways to Help Ukraine page.
This includes:
- Ways to donate cash to charities supporting people in Ukraine and who are fleeing from the war
- The new ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, details and links to register to sponsor Ukrainians coming to the UK
- Link to the official UK Government rules and guidance for Ukrainians coming to the UK and in the UK
- Guidance on speaking with children about the war from the UK Schools of Sanctuary network
- Advice for UK charities on supporting Ukraine and preparing for the impact of the war
- Information on campaigns for fair rules and treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and legislation under discussion (Nationality and Borders Bill)
- Links to Ukrainian verified sources of information to read and share about the war
- Advice on how to help refugees in Newcastle as an individual, a summary of the support from the coalition of organisations and communities working together under the City of Sanctuary movement and information available about organisations that provide help to refugees within the city