The UK government has reversed changes to its visa policy, allowing Ukrainian families to bring their children to the UK once more. This decision comes after a period of restrictions that left families torn apart and forced some desperate parents to resort to illegal routes to reunite with their children.
The government has reversed changes to visa rules, allowing Ukrainians to bring their children to the UK once more. This decision comes after a period of restrictions that left families torn apart and forced some desperate parents to resort to illegal routes to reunite with their children.
Charities have welcomed the announcement as a ‘huge relief’ for parents separated from their children. Dora-Olivia Vicol, chief executive of Work Rights Centre, stated that this change will enable families to reunite in safety. However, she also warned that this action does not help those forced apart from other family members, including siblings or parents.
In February last year, the government restricted eligibility for the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which allows people to host those fleeing the war. This change meant that only British or Irish citizens, or those with the right to live in the UK permanently, could act as sponsors. As a result, Ukrainians living in the UK without permanent residence could no longer sponsor family members to join them.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is a government-led initiative in the UK, launched in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The program aims to provide temporary accommodation and support to Ukrainian refugees.
Eligible hosts can apply to sponsor a family or individual, with the government providing a £350 stipend per month.
This financial assistance helps cover living costs for both the host and guest.
The scheme also includes access to healthcare services and other forms of support.
More than 190,000 people have come to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme since its launch in March 2022. However, this change left many families struggling to reunite. Valentyna, a Ukrainian mother, applied for her 12-year-old son to join her in the UK last August but her application remained pending due to the restrictions. She has not seen her son for six months and was emotional when asked about their separation.
Settled, another charity supporting Ukrainians applying for visas, stated that some families had resorted to bringing their children to join them through illegal routes rather than leave them in danger. Yuliia Ismail, an immigration advisor for the charity, called on the Home Office to act quickly and decide outstanding applications from children stuck in Ukrainian conflict zones.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that they have taken urgent action to resolve this issue, enabling parents with Ukraine Scheme visas to sponsor their children to join them in the UK. This change will apply to both existing and future applications.
