Several constituents have contacted me over the past days asking what they can do to support those who have been forced to flee Ukraine following the Russian invasion. The UK Government is now the largest provider of humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine, but I know that many in our town are eager to do even more. This open letter sets out what we can do to help.
Ukraine Family Scheme
The Ukraine Family Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals to join family members currently resident in the UK. It is free to apply, and there are no minimum salary or English-language requirements. If granted, the visa will last up to three years.
The UK-based family member must be one of the following:
- A British national
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Someone settled in the UK, for example with indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
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Someone from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who has pre-settled status and began living in the UK before 1 January 2021
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Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
The applicant must be able to prove that the UK-based family member is either an immediate family member, an extended family member, or an immediate family member of an extended family member.
If the applicant is unable to provide proof of the relation, for example with a birth or marriage certificate, the applicant is still able to apply, provided they explain why they are unable to do so.
Applications to the scheme must be submitted online (here: https://apply.visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/country-selection), following which the applicant will book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). VACs are currently operating throughout Europe, including in Budapest, Chisinau, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Paris.
Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine
The Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have established families in the UK but who are nevertheless seeking refuge here. The scheme will be launched soon, and you can keep up to date with the latest developments here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-sponsorship-scheme-for-ukraine.
Financial donations
If you wish to make a financial donation, you may like to do so via the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal (here: https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal). The UK Government matched £25 million of public donations to the appeal.
If you would like to donate to another charity, you can do so safely by first ensuring that you have checked that the charity is genuine by searching for its name and registration number, which you can do here: https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information.
Avoid donating supplies
Although the unsolicited donation of goods is well-meant, it can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting to where it needs to be. Financial donations are preferable, as cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed most, and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed.