New UK visa extension scheme for Ukrainians

The Home Office has announced a UK visa extension scheme for Ukrainian nationals already living in Britain. The immigration extension is in addition to the recent family visa scheme and ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. Under the extension scheme, Ukrainians already living in Britain will be allowed to remain in the country for a further three years.

It’s understood that the UK visa extension scheme will allow Ukrainian nationals, along with any partners or children, who had leave to remain in the UK as of 18 March 2022, or whose right to remain has expired since 1 January 2022, to apply for an extension.

While immigration lawyers and charities have welcomed the move, they claim that the scheme is ‘limited’ due to ‘unnecessary red tape’, which stills leaves some Ukrainians in need of protection, excluded, and prevents those who are granted the visa extension from bringing their relatives to the UK.

Not in effect until 3 May

Another concern of the UK visa extension scheme is that it is not set to come into effect until 3 May, which immigration advocates argue is ‘too long for people to be left without a UK immigration status’.

Refugee and asylum policy manager at the British Red Cross, Jon Featonby, said: “The scheme is another example of a complex system being put in the way of the safety and security that is desperately needed. Whilst we welcome the Ukraine extension scheme, it’s not clear why Ukrainians can’t apply to the scheme until 3 May.”

“This delay means that, for example, those people who originally came to the UK to work temporarily won’t be able to access vital support from local authorities for another five weeks. That’s why all Ukrainians already in the UK need a quick and immediate way to get secure leave, and visa requirements should be waived so that people who want to can get here easily,” Mr Featonby added.

The British Red Cross refugee and asylum policy manager went on to express his ‘deep disappointment’ that even after extending their leave to remain status in the UK, Ukrainian nationals will still be unable to bring family members, still stuck in Ukraine, to join them in Britain.

Wrong not to allow family members

The Scottish Refugee Council’s Graham O’Neill said: “We welcome that the UK government has introduced a third programme to start giving some parity of status to thousands of Ukrainians already in the UK.”

“However, it’s inexplicable and wrong that they do not appear to have entitlement to bring any family into the UK to safety, not their siblings, their parents or even their children. We urge the UK government to clarify and fill this gap,” Mr O’Neill added.

The newly announced UK visa extension scheme comes after the UNHCR – the United Nations’ refugee agency – urged the government to extend family reunion rights to all Ukrainians in the UK.

Acting UNHCR representative to the UK, Larry Bottinick, said: “UNHCR is aware of seasonal agricultural workers who left their partners and children behind during the winter thinking they would only be separated for a few months.”

“They are now unable to go home, but also unable to bring their loved ones to safety in the UK. At such a distressing time for Ukrainians, it is important that the government takes all necessary steps to ensure that those seeking to be reunited with their families can do so,” Mr Bottinick added.

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