More details on how the "Homes for Ukraine" scheme will operate have been provided by Bristol City Council.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme, to be rolled out this week, will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to bring people fleeing the war to safety - even if they have no ties to the UK and receive £350 per month as a "thank you" payment. In recent weeks, the Government has faced criticism over the speed and scale of its efforts to bring fleeing Ukrainians from the Russian invasion to the UK.
One of those people to criticise the UK government was a Ukrainian living in the city who said the government response was "too slow". However, the Home Office has said they stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and that the changes they have made to the visa process will make it quicker and simpler for Ukrainians with valid passports to come here, adding capacity at visa application centres has been expanded to 13,000 appointments a week.
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Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees wrote about the scheme on his blog and revealed some details on how this will work locally.
"We are working with the city’s refugee charities and other partners to support Ukrainians already in Bristol," he said. "Through shows of support, including the lighting of City Hall and joint statements of solidarity with Ukraine and mayors there, our city is sending a message.
"But I also want to highlight practical ways that Bristolians can consider showing their support."
Mr Rees said that applications for the Homes for Ukraine scheme opened on Monday and that, in less than 24 hours, more than 100,000 people in the UK offered to take part.
He continued: "Ukrainians will be eligible to live and work here for up to three years, and access benefits, healthcare, employment and other support. Sponsors are asked to provide rooms within a family home or self contained accommodation rent free, they are not asked to provide food and subsistence.
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"Sponsors need to be UK citizens or have at least six months leave to remain in the UK, and have a named person who they wish to sponsor; they will be eligible for payments of £350 per month for up to 12 months. There is no cap on places, and council are expected to receive funding of £10,500 per person (with extra available for child education).
"We would also ask anyone who can offer practical support to get in touch – particularly those with Ukrainian language skills – to help us coordinate, support, and welcome people to Bristol. bristolrefugeeteam@bristol.gov.uk
"Bristol residents who do have friends and family in Ukraine, who they would like to sponsor, please contact the national website here."
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