Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Home Office unable to provide firm date for Homes for Ukraine visa extension decisions.
Conclusion
We raised our concerns about the challenges facing Ukrainians whose visas are coming to an end. We also asked the Home Office when it thought it would make a decision so it could provide reassurance to those taking part in the scheme, especially those who do not have a home to go back to because it had been destroyed. The Home Office could not give us a date for when it would make a decision on extending visas. However, it did tell us that it was working with its Ministers and DLUHC, among others, on options both for extension of the current scheme and development of the scheme beyond 2025. The Home Office assured us that it would make any decisions well in advance of people’s visas ending.10 Processing of visas
Government Response Summary
The government announced on 19 February 2024 that existing Ukraine scheme visa holders can apply for an additional 18 months' permission to remain under the new Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, opening early 2025. This provides continued rights to work, benefits, healthcare, and education.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 1.2 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. 1.3 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. 1.4 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. 1.5 Further detail on eligibility and application processes will be made available before the scheme opens. 1.6 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.