Homes for Ukraine refugees scheme Birmingham: how to help, sponsor and host refugees fleeing Russia war to UK

The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched on Monday, This is a plan which involves the government asking people across the country to welcome refugees from Ukraine into their homes.

This comes following the news that the UK has now processed more than 4,000 visas for Ukrainian  refugees.

According to the United Nations, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, more than 3 million Ukrainians have fled the country - this equates to more than five per cent of the country’s population.

What is the Ukraine UK refugee scheme?

The ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme is the UK government’s resettlement plan to help people from Ukraine who have fled the country due to the Russian invasion.

The scheme will have no cap on the number of people coming into the UK, and is hoped it will help potentially tens of thousands of refugees.

The scheme will be launched officially this week and is headed by Michael Gove, the minister for housing and levelling up.

Mr Gove said: “The UK stands behind Ukraine in their darkest hour and the British public understand the need to get as many people to safety as quickly as we can.

“I urge people across the country to join the national effort and offer support to our Ukrainian friends. Together we can give a safe home to those who so desperately need it.”

Can I offer a room to a Ukrainian refugee in the UK?

The government is calling on people to open up their homes to refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine.

Individuals, charities, businesses and other organisations will be able to put forward their interest in hosting refugees.

Housing associations and councils may also be involved in the scheme

Their applications will then be vetted to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian people coming to the UK.

How do I register for the scheme?

A website was launched on 14 March where people can register their interest in housing a refugee.

It is hoped that people could be hosting Ukrainian refugees by next week.

It is also expected that a telephone hotline will be set up.

As of the evening of 17 March, over 150,000 people had signed up to host Ukrainian refugees.

The scheme opened up for visa applications on 18 March.

How long can refugees stay with a UK host family or individual?

Ukrainians will be able to remain in the UK for up to three years, with sponsors being encouraged to house refugees for six months or more.

This six months is a minimum and the length of time which the UK government is asking people to be prepared to accommodate a refugee for.

Will I receive any financial support if I host a refugee?

People who sponsor a place for refugees will receive £350 from the UK Government as a ‘thank you’ for opening up their home.

This payment will be monthly during the time that the refugees are staying with them.

The £350 per month will be tax free.

Other financial support will be provided to local authorities.

This is expected to equate to £10,000 per person coming in from Ukraine.

Support people fleeing the devastating conflict in Ukraine: donate to the DEC appeal

Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance. Visit the online appeal and donate what you can today.