Ukraine Family Scheme Extended to Help Families Fleeing War

The UK government has extended emergency visas granted to Ukrainian refugees under the Ukraine Family Scheme to provide much needed stability and certainty as the conflict continues.

The Ukraine Family Scheme was one of three programs set up to welcome Ukrainians seeking refuge from Vladimir Putin’s invasion. It allowed family members to reunite and take shelter together in the UK. However, with the first visas due to expire next March, many were feeling unsettled by the looming deadline.

Providing Much Needed Stability

A survey in September found that two-thirds of refugees said not knowing what would happen after the initial visa period ended was making it tough to settle in. Nine out of ten felt unsettled! No wonder – who wouldn’t be stressed with such a short time frame and an ongoing war back home.

Thankfully, the government has now stepped in to extend the visas. Ukrainians who came through the family scheme. As well as the other programs, can apply to have their permission to remain in Britain extended until September 2026. About time too if you ask me! Can you imagine trying to focus on starting a new life somewhere else if you kept worrying about being sent back? This extension will hopefully help families feel more at ease.

The housing and immigration ministers praised the “extraordinary generosity” of Brits who have opened their homes to Ukrainians through the schemes. Over 200,000 people have now come through the various visa routes since they were announced in March. With the conflict still raging, it’s clear many more will need support through the Ukraine Family Scheme. And others for the foreseeable future. Fingers crossed this extension provides at least a little relief amid the ongoing turmoil.