Supporting Ukrainians in the UK before the war
According to the UK Government, ‘Preliminary figures from the 2021 Census in England and Wales identify approximately 37,530 people who were born in Ukraine and were “usual residents” in England and Wales in March 2021.’ Other estimates put the number somewhere between 20 and 50,000 Ukrainian nationals who were in the UK before the war started. Part of the reason for the variance is that many of these Ukrainians are in the UK on temporary visas, particularly on seasonal worker visas in the agricultural sector, and as students.
This is a difficult and worrying time for Ukrainians living in England and Wales. We encourage churches and individuals to provide pastoral help where it is needed. If you are concerned that a Ukrainian is being exploited, or is in danger of being exploited, you may wish to report this. You can report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. More information about human trafficking and modern slavery is signposted on our website.
Ukraine Extension Scheme
The UK Government has made changes to the visa system to help those who are already here and lessen uncertainties about what might happen to them once their visa expires. If you know or work with Ukrainians in this situation, particularly those on skilled or seasonal worker visas, or student visas, you can direct them to the latest government guidance. Most Ukrainians who were in the UK before the outbreak of war are eligible for a free visa extension until at least 31 December 2022, or up to three years under the Ukraine Extension Scheme which includes the rights to work, study and to access public funds. However, this is subject to meeting terms and conditions attached to the visa. Do encourage people to apply early for visa extensions, as becoming an ‘overstayer’ (staying beyond the terms of the visa without permission) can affect their rights and future ability to visit the UK.
Ukraine Family Scheme
The Ukraine Family Scheme is open for Ukrainians who had been living in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022, and who have family legally settled in the UK. The family member in the UK must be a British national, legally settled in the UK, an EU national with pre-settled status in the UK, or a refugee or someone with humanitarian leave. It is not available to, for example, family members of those here on a seasonal worker or student visa.
The definition of family member for this visa has been expanded from other visa schemes to include:
- Parents
- Adult children
- Siblings
- Grandparents
- Cousins
- Other immediate family who would not usually be eligible
It is not available to, for example, family members of those here on a seasonal worker or student visa.
The scheme is not capped (i.e. there is no upper limit to how many can come if they are eligible).
See the Government’s detailed guidance: how to apply and the eligibility rules.
Initial support for displaced Ukrainians arriving in England and Wales
Please see guidance for first responses to refugees arriving in England and Wales.
The Government has produced guidance on moving to the UK from Ukraine.
As part of the UK’s offer to those Ukrainians coming to the UK, the Government has committed to providing full access to a range of public services, including doctors, schools and full local authority support. They will also be offered COVID-19 vaccines and medical screenings. A Ukrainian in the UK lawfully can access the NHS on a similar basis as other UK residents, if he/she –
- uses an alternative temporary visa route outside of the family or sponsorship routes;
- is on a family or sponsored route to England;
- chooses to extend their visit or seasonal worker visa temporarily, without going through the immigration health surcharge system, or
- is in the process of switching visas.
This covers any NHS treatment that started on or after 24 February 2022. Guidance in Ukrainian on accessing NHS services, including COVID vaccinations, is available from Doctors of the World.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made emergency regulations to ensure people fleeing the Ukraine war can claim benefits, including Universal Credit and housing benefit, immediately in the UK. This is instead of needing to pass the usual habitual residence test and wait for up to three months to receive income-related benefits. DWP have said new arrivals will be eligible for Personal Independence Payment, Child Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and Attendance Allowance. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), has written to councils to confirm that those arriving under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme are eligible for social housing and homelessness assistance.
The Home Office is welcoming offers from employers of work for people arriving from Ukraine.
We will update the toolkit regularly as details emerge.
According to the UK Government, ‘Preliminary figures from the 2021 Census in England and Wales identify approximately 37,530 people who were born in Ukraine and were “usual residents” in England and Wales in March 2021.’ Other estimates put the number somewhere between 20 and 50,000 Ukrainian nationals who were in the UK before the war started. Part of the reason for the variance is that many of these Ukrainians are in the UK on temporary visas, particularly on seasonal worker visas in the agricultural sector, and as students.
This is a difficult and worrying time for Ukrainians living in England and Wales. We encourage churches and individuals to provide pastoral help where it is needed. If you are concerned that a Ukrainian is being exploited, or is in danger of being exploited, you may wish to report this. You can report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. More information about human trafficking and modern slavery is signposted on our website.
We will update the toolkit regularly as details emerge.