Give Ukrainians more possibilities to remain long-term within the UK, says refugee charity

An organisation supporting Ukrainians who fled to the UK after the outbreak of war with Russia is appealing to the UK government to provide them more ways to remain long-term. 

The government recently announced a visa extension programme for Ukrainians, but it surely only offers an additional 18 months. 

The Sanctuary Foundation, which works closely with churches to supply support for refugees, said this “falls wanting the steadiness that Ukrainians have to rebuild their lives”. 

It is asking the federal government to supply more long-term visas and opportunities for Indefinite Leave to Remain. 

February 24 marks the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, but there remains to be no end in sight to the war. 

A survey by the Sanctuary Foundation found that the majority Ukrainians have received a warm welcome within the UK (93%), and around two thirds said they might definitely or probably wish to remain within the UK – up considerably from the 30 per cent who said the identical only a 12 months ago. 

There have been other changes too because the Sanctuary Foundation last surveyed Ukrainian refugees when two thirds were still living with host families. Now the number is below 30 per cent and lots of are working full time. 

The Sanctuary Foundation said the figures suggest that fewer Ukrainians are planning to return to
Ukraine as time goes by.

Krish Kandiah, founding father of the Sanctuary Foundation, is looking for more long-term clarity for Ukrainians living within the UK. 

“Two years after the war began, the Ukrainian people proceed to indicate incredible ongoing courage standing as much as Russian tyranny,” he said. 

“It has been inspiring to see the hospitality of the UK public towards our dear Ukrainian friends. Our survey shows just how welcome Ukrainians feel here amongst us.

“With all that is happening on the planet, we must proceed to support Ukrainian refugees within the UK.”