Ukrainians fleeing war will be given three times as long to renew UK visas
Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s occupation will be given three times longer to renew their UK visas as part of an effort to give them greater certainty of staying in Britain.
Those wishing to extend their stay will now be able to apply up to 90 days (three times the current 28 days) before their current permit expires. Independent he understands.
This comes after concerns were expressed by Ukrainian communities that the shorter period created undue stress and uncertainty about their legal status in the UK.
The announcement was made as Yvette Cooper traveled to Kiev on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine; this was part of the government’s attempt to demonstrate its commitment to safe and legal routes while trying to curb illegal crossings.
To mark the anniversary, the government has also prepared a £5 million package to support justice and accountability work in Ukraine. Independent he understands.
The Ukraine Furlough Scheme, which has hosted more than 300,000 Ukrainians in the UK since 2022, was extended for a further two years in September.
Ukraine leave visas to the UK usually last for three years, but visa holders can apply for the Ukraine Leave Extension (UPE) scheme to extend their stay for a further 18 months.
Speaking about the latest changes to the programme, Immigration Minister Mike Tapp said: Independent: “The UK stands with Ukraine and we are proud to have offered sanctuary to more than 300,000 Ukrainians since Russia’s barbaric invasion.
“We have listened to the concerns of the Ukrainian community and taken action to offer greater peace of mind. This country will remain your safe haven as long as the war continues.
“Britain will always offer sanctuary to those who truly need it.”
The new funding, which comes on top of existing £11.5 million support for Ukraine’s own war crimes investigations, will ensure that atrocities committed following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine are fully investigated and those responsible are held to account.
The cash will help provide training for Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors and help document, investigate and prosecute war crimes.
The State Department hopes this will advance international standards within Ukraine’s legal process and promote rights-based support for survivors and witnesses, including victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
During his visit to Ukraine, the Foreign Minister is expected to express the “Russification” tactics used by Moscow in the occupied Ukrainian territory.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, people in the regions are forced to obtain Russian passports, are banned from speaking the Ukrainian language, and are detained on arbitrary charges for expressing pro-Ukrainian sentiments.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is set to hold a voluntary coalition meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the latest peace talks and greater support for Kiev amid the ongoing conflict.
Russian bombardment of Ukraine continued throughout the weekend; Missile and drone bombardment killed one person in Kiev and hit the country’s energy grid.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said the next round of talks aimed at ending the war could be held by the end of this week.
