More than 100,000 people have arrived in UK under Ukraine visa schemes

More than 100,000 people have arrived in UK under Ukraine visa schemes
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Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 28/07/2022

- 09:45

Updated: 28/07/2022

- 10:00

The schemes were introduced earlier this year amid the Russian invasion on Ukraine

Some 104,000 people had arrived in the UK under Ukraine visa schemes as of Monday, figures published by the Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration show.

This includes 31,300 people under the family scheme, and 72,700 people under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme.


The figures also show that, as of Tuesday, around 198,200 applications have been made for visas, and 166,200 visas have been issued.

These include 55,000 applications under the family scheme, of which 47,200 visas have been granted, and 143,200 applications under the sponsorship scheme, of which 119,000 visas have been granted.

The Ukrainian flag being flown above 10 Downing Street in London
The Ukrainian flag being flown above 10 Downing Street in London
Yui Mok

The fresh rules were revealed by Boris Johnson in March, which meant that people who are currently settled in the UK will be able to bring immediate family members from Ukraine into the country.

Family members who are eligible to apply for these visas are a spouse or civil partner, an unmarried partner of at least two years, a parent or their child if one is under the age of 18, or adult relatives who are carers.

The rules were met with criticism by some people, who think that the Government need to do more to allow further Ukrainians to enter the country.

Patel
Patel
Aaron Chown

Speaking in the Commons after the schemes were announced, Priti Patel said: "I have removed the usual language requirements and salary thresholds for Ukrainians to come to the UK to be with their family members.

"And where family members of British nationals do not meet the criteria but do pass all security checks we will give them permission to enter the UK outside the rules for 12 months.

"This means that all British nationals and any person settled in the UK can bring over immediate Ukrainian family members.

"Through this policy alone, an additional 100,000 Ukrainians could be eligible to come to the UK and access work and public services.

"There is no limit on the numbers, anyone who wants to apply should contact the dedicated 24 hour line for assistance before applying."

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