The concerns surrounding temporary UK visas for Ukrainian refugees have been brought to light by a charity urging the government to reconsider the visa options available to Ukrainian nationals living in the UK. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many Ukrainians sought refuge in the UK and are now faced with the prospect of extending their visas through the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE). While the scheme provides an 18-month extension, it does not offer a permanent pathway to settlement for those seeking long-term stability.
Viktoria Shtanko, the founder of Ukraine Appeal in Buckinghamshire, emphasized the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees who are dealing with uncertainty about their future. Shtanko, a Ukrainian national herself living in Milton Keynes since 2008, established the charity to assist fellow Ukrainians arriving in the area. She emphasized the importance of allowing Ukrainians to stay in Britain long-term to contribute to the economy, especially as many have already begun to establish themselves and make valuable contributions to society.
Iryna Maracine and Valeriia Pavliuk are just two examples of individuals supported by Ukraine Appeal. Maracine, a 38-year-old carer from Lysychansk, shared the heartbreaking devastation in her hometown under Russian occupation. With no home to return to and two sons settled in school in the UK, she expressed concerns about their future and the uncertainty surrounding their status. Pavliuk, a 26-year-old administrator, highlighted how the temporary nature of the UK’s visa scheme limits her employment opportunities as some employers are hesitant to hire individuals with uncertain visa statuses.
While the Home Office reported providing sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families following Putin’s invasion, the government’s visa schemes for Ukrainians continue to be under review. Despite recent changes to allow Ukrainians to bring their children to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, uncertainty remains regarding a permanent route to settlement for those seeking long-term stability beyond the conclusion of the war. Discussions on potential avenues for permanent settlement for Ukrainian refugees are anticipated to take place post-war, emphasizing the need to address the concerns of those striving to rebuild their lives in the UK
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
