‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme launches

The UK Government has launched the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, allowing individuals and organisations to sponsor Ukrainian nationals by offering them accommodation in the UK. The application system is due to go live on Friday 18 March 2022.

The Government has received a fair amount of criticism for what has been described as a slow and bureaucratic approach to the escalating crisis in Ukraine. The first scheme introduced by the Government allowed Ukrainians with immediate or extended family members residing in the UK to apply for a visa, provided that they pass security checks. Applicants are now able to complete biometric checks in the UK, provided that they have a valid passport for international travel, and that will also be the case under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The new scheme will offer successful applicants a grant of leave in the UK for a period of three years. Initially it will be open to those with a named sponsor in the UK. Those sponsored under the scheme will have access to the NHS and schooling should they require it, and the ability to work here. The Government is offering a monthly £350 payment per household as an incentive to take part in the scheme. There is no expectation that a UK sponsor should cover the cost of food and living expenses of those staying in their homes and participation in the scheme will apparently not affect entitlement to benefits or council tax status. Details of the security checks to be undertaken on sponsors are yet to be disclosed.

There is currently no limit on the number of Ukrainians who can benefit from the scheme. The public response to it so far appears to have been overwhelmingly positive.