Homes for Ukraine

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Homes for Ukraine is a British government scheme which allows households to provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.

History[edit]

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of its neighbour Ukraine.[1] Over the following weeks, large numbers of refugees rapidly began to flee the country.[2] The UK government's initial reaction to this was criticised for the maintenance of visa restrictions and the believed slowness of accepting applications.[3] On 11 February, the prime minister said a scheme was being planned to allow members of the public to house refugees in their homes.[4] On 13 February, Housing Secretary Michael Gove said that individuals would receive a £350 payment for housing refugees and that local authorities would also receive additional funding for their support.[5]

The website for the Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched on 14 March,[6] with more than 100,000 people and organisations registering an interest in housing refugees within the first day.[7]

Structure[edit]

The scheme gives volunteers the opportunity to house refugees that are known to them. Various charitable organisations are asking the public to contact them to make pairings between refugees and sponsors who do not already know each other. Hosts will be required to take some light background checks and the host will receive £350 payments every month for up to twelve months (regardless of the number of refugees being supported).[8][9]

After the refugee's arrival in the UK, the host will be expected to provide rent-free accommodation in their home or elsewhere for at least six months. They are not required to provide food and living expenses but can choose to do so.[9] The refugees will be allowed to work, and access public services and state benefits.[10] Child refugees will be able to attend local schools,[11] with online lessons being specifically designed for this demographic.[12]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Ukraine conflict: Russian forces attack from three sides". BBC News. 24 February 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  2. ^ Tidman, Zoe (15 March 2022). "More than 3 million have fled Ukraine since invasion, authorities say". The Independent. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  3. ^ M, Muvija (8 March 2022). "UK criticised over Ukraine refugee scheme, says 500 visas issued so far". Reuters. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  4. ^ O'Connor, Mary; Lee, Joseph (11 March 2022). "Ukraine war: People can welcome refugees into their homes - PM". BBC News. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  5. ^ Lee, Joseph; Lindrea, Victoria; Bowden, George (13 March 2022). "Ukraine war: UK households offered £350 a month for hosting refugees". BBC News. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  6. ^ Donoghue, J. J. (14 March 2022). "Homes For Ukraine refugee website down as thousands sign up". Bristol Live. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  7. ^ Wright, Robert; Strauss, Delphine (15 March 2022). "UK scheme to house Ukraine refugees nets 100,000 offers in 24 hours". Financial Times. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  8. ^ Elgot, Jessica (15 March 2022). "Homes for Ukraine: what do I need to do to host refugees in the UK?". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  9. ^ a b Reality Check (15 March 2022). "How do the UK's schemes for Ukrainian refugees work?". BBC News. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  10. ^ Kovacevic, Tamara (15 March 2022). "How can I offer a UK home to Ukrainian refugees?". BBC News. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  11. ^ Keane, Daniel; Blake, Elly (15 March 2022). "What is the Homes for Ukraine refugees scheme and how do you apply?". Evening Standard. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  12. ^ "Online lessons to be offered to Ukrainian refugee children coming to UK, Education Secretary announces". ITV News. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
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