THE UK Government has set out further details on the extended scheme for Ukrainian family members of people living in the UK to come here.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said people living in the UK would now be allowed to bring in “adult parents, grandparents, children over 18 and siblings” in addition to the immediate family members who had previously been allowed.
READ MORE: What are the UK visa rules for Ukrainians? What changes has the Government made?
Previously it had been expected that around 100,000 Ukrainians would be eligible to come to the UK, but that has now risen to 200,000 under the widened scheme.
But Downing Street acknowledged those numbers were “indicative only” as it was “impossible to predict” how many would want to come, rather than stay in countries closer to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We think it is right to have that open offer so that they can bring loved ones and be reunited with them should they wish to make that journey.”
Boris Johnson also set out plans for a scheme allowing organisations and individuals to sponsor Ukrainians to come to the UK.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said the Government would work with the UN refugee agency to identify people on the border and also liaise with councils, the devolved administrations and individuals and organisations who want to be involved.
Later, speaking in the Commons, the Home Secretary confirmed that eligibility for the scheme would be extended.
Priti Patel said those coming to join family members in the UK would be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months, and will be able to work and access public funds.
She went on: “Secondly, we will establish a humanitarian sponsorship pathway which will open up a route to the UK for Ukrainians who may not have family ties with the UK, but who are able to match with individuals, charities, businesses and community groups.
“Those who come under this scheme will also be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months and they will be able to work and have access to public services.
“The Home Office will work closely with all our international partners on the ground to ensure that displaced Ukrainians that are in need of a home are supported. The Secretary of State for Levelling Up (Michael Gove) will work with the devolved administrations to ensure that those who want to sponsor an individual or family can volunteer and be matched quickly with Ukrainians in need.
“There will be no numerical limit on this scheme and we’ll welcome as many Ukrainians that wish to come and have match sponsors.”
She also claimed the UK cannot waive visas for people fleeing from Ukraine as it must protect national security.
Patel responded to calls for visa waivers by telling MPs that “Russian troops are seeking to infiltrate and merge with Ukrainian forces” and that there are “extremists on the ground” in Ukraine.
The Home Secretary added: “Given this and also Putin’s willingness to do violence on British soil, and in keeping with our approach which we have retained consistently throughout all emergency evacuations including in Afghanistan, we cannot suspend any security or biometric checks on people we welcome to our country.
“We have collective duty to keep the British people safe and this approach is based on the strongest security advice.”
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