Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Committee examined DLUHC and Home Office evidence on Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) and the Home Office about the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.1
Government Response Summary
The government announced the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme on February 19, 2024, allowing existing visa holders to apply for an additional 18 months of permission to remain in the UK, with applications opening in early 2025. This scheme will offer the same rights and entitlements as existing Ukraine schemes.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented To provide Ukrainians with future certainty, on 19 February 2024, the government announced that existing Ukraine scheme visa holders will be able to apply for further permission to remain in the UK for an additional 18 months under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme. The Ukraine Permission Extension scheme will provide the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education that Ukrainians have benefited from under the existing schemes. Applications will open from early 2025 for those who hold permission to remain under the three original Ukraine schemes: Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme. Individuals will be able to apply within the last three months of their existing visa. Further detail on eligibility and application processes will be made available before the scheme opens. The Ukraine schemes are temporary visa routes offering sanctuary for those fleeing the Ukraine war and do not lead to settlement. This was a key principle of the schemes when they were established at the outbreak of the war in recognition that Ukraine will need its citizens, from around the world, to support its reconstruction efforts to recover and rebuild their economy and infrastructure.