‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme open to businesses

UK businesses as well as individuals can now record their interest in supporting Ukrainian refugees through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Michael Gove, secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, has launched a webpage for sponsors to record their interest ahead of Phase One of the scheme opening for applications this Friday.

The scheme will allow individuals and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to the country, including those with no family ties to the UK.

Phase One of the scheme will allow sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them in their home or a separate property.

Sponsors will be asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of six months. In return, they will receive £350 per month.

Those who have a named Ukrainian they wish to sponsor should contact them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application, which will launch on Friday 18 March.

Ukrainians arriving in the UK under the scheme will be granted three years’ leave to remain, with entitlement to work and access benefits and public services.

Applicants will be vetted and will undergo security checks.

Individuals and businesses can register on the Homes for Ukraine website here.

Chef Steven Saunders is preparing to travel to the Ukrainian border next week after launching a campaign to connect refugees with hospitality businesses able to offer accommodation and employment.

Photo: Grand Warszawski/Shutterstock.com