Premise: The Ukraine schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Family Scheme, Extension Scheme) grant a three year stay in the UK to Ukrainian refugees and allow them to work, study and have access to public funds. The schemes have been designed as a temporary measure to save and protect those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The refugees would then go back home when the war is over and it is safe to return.

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Problem: While we condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and deeply believe it will inevitably end with Ukraine’s victory, no one can accurately predict when that will actually happen, leaving Ukrainians on the Ukraine schemes in the unknown. 

Shortness of the schemes restricts the ability to plan ahead. Adults are anxious about their children's schooling. Uncertainty of applying to university which is usually longer than a 3 year visa term. Limited employment opportunities due to short visa time which force Ukrainians to seek jobs inferior to their qualifications. This all creates an enormous amount of pressure and discomfort for already stressed out Ukrainian refugees.

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Alternative lawful routes to stay in the UK long term (e.g. Skilled Worker visa, Innovator Founder visa, etc.) could be costly and not fit for all Ukrainian refugees, putting them at risk of being deported or going illegal.

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Proposal: Provide Ukrainian refugees on the Ukraine schemes with ‘special settled status’ in the UK which gives stability of settled status but may not lead to citizenship straight away. This will enable Ukrainian refugees to plan long-term, make required commitments and reduce the stress and anxiety caused by the uncertainty of their future in the UK, while not ‘stealing’ citizens from Ukraine, giving them enough time to return back when the war is over.

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To set an example, Canada has already given a route to permanent residency to Ukrainian refugees and the U.S. Congress has registered a bill called ‘Ukrainian Adjustment Act’ which, if passed, will provide Ukrainians with permanent status in the USA. 

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We strongly believe that the United Kingdom must join those countries in an attempt to provide Ukrainian refugees with a stable and full life in the UK during the Russian full-scale war in Ukraine.