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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Lizzy Buchan

Refugee Homes for Ukraine scheme opens visa applications today - how to help

More than 150,000 Brits have said they will take in Ukrainian refugees as the numbers of people fleeing Russia's onslaught continues to rise.

The UN said 3 million people have fled the fighting so far - and officials believe the total could rise to 4 million before the conflict is resolved.

The UK launched the "Homes for Ukraine " scheme this week, with the formal application process set to begin on Friday.

Under the plans, people can volunteer to put up a refugee in their spare room or an empty property for at least six months.

But despite the avalanche of support from warm-hearted Brits, there are still plenty of unanswered questions about how the scheme will work.

Ukrainian refugees queue to get an appointment to apply for temporary protection in Torrevieja, Spain (REUTERS)

And some critics have suggested the move was rushed out after the Government face criticism over the chaotic roll-out of its separate family visa scheme.

Research shared exclusively with the Mirror by campaign group 38 Degrees shows the British public back an expansion of the visa programme and think Rishi Sunak should fully fund a proper resettlement programme.

The Survation poll found a majority (53%) of the public - including 51% of Conservative voters - think the existing visa schemes don’t go far enough, and that the government should introduce a humanitarian visa scheme for people fleeing persecution.

Here's what we know - and don't know - about plans to let Brits host Ukrainian refugees.

How can I host a Ukrainian refugee?

Brits will offer to act as sponsors for Ukrainians who have no family ties in this country under the "Homes for Ukraine" scheme.

Ukrainian nationals or their immediate family members who were resident in Ukraine before January 1 2022 are eligible to apply.

Sponsors will need to name a Ukrainian refugee they would like to host. You are encouraged to find people through charities, social media and non-government organisations.

The Government will not match refugees to sponsors, as it was decided that this would slow the process.

But Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, warned the Government is "unleashing chaos" and said refugees could die before they are matched with a sponsor.

Organisations will be able to sponsor refugees at at a later date, the Government hopes, but the current scheme is only for individuals.

Brits offering accommodation will be vetted and Ukrainian applicants will also undergo security checks.

There is a separate "family visa" scheme for refugees who have relatives in the UK.

What do I need to provide?

Hosts should commit to providing free accommodation for at least six months - and must not charge refugees rent.

It is not clear what happens after six months but the Government will be hoping that arrivals may have had time to find their feet.

You do not need to provide food or living expenses for your guests - but you can if you wish to.

Most hosts may be charitable towards refugees but the lack of financial support could prevent low-income families from getting involved in the scheme.

Anyone offering their home to refugees will receive a monthly “thank you” payment of £350 for up to 12 months.

This cash will not affect your benefit entitlements or council tax status, minister have confirmed.

Refugees waiting to board an evacuation train from Lviv, Ukraine (Adam Gray/SWNS)

Local councils will be given £10,000 per refugee to provide "wrap around support".

People arriving under this scheme will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years.

They will have access to healthcare, benefits, employment support, education, and English language tuition.

They will be given £200 per person - adults or children - in cash on arrival for initial expenses like groceries, toiletries and clothes. This has to be taken out of the £10,500 per refugee funding for councils.

This matches funding for the previous scheme for people who fled Afghanistan.

But it is not clear whether refugees - many of whom will be traumatised by the war - will be given dedicated mental health support.

Brits are advised that there may be eligibility checks, including visits to your home.

How do I register interest?

You can register your interest in becoming a sponsor for a Ukrainian refugee here.

Visa applications will open for Ukrainians who already have a named sponsor lined up today.

The Government is expected to set out more details shortly.

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