HELPING HAND
How to host Ukrainian refugees in UK
UKRAINIAN citizens seek refuge far away from their homes as the war with Russia worsens by the second.
This is how you can help Ukrainians who seek to start restart their life elsewhere from the dangers in their country.
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How to host a Ukrainian refugee in the UK
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove will be announcing a Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The scheme will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to nominate a Ukrainian citizen or family to stay in their home.
Ministers are hoping that hotels, landlords and owners of a property will step up to also help and fasten the process to find the tens of thousands fleeing their homes.
Michael Gove spoke to the public, "The crisis in Ukraine has sent shockwaves across the world as hundreds of thousands of innocent people have been forced to flee their homes, leaving everything they know and love behind.
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"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."
How long will Ukrainian refugees stay?
Ukrainian refugees will be able to live, work, study and have access to public funds for up to three years.
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Normally, visas last for 12 months, but the Government decided to increase it up to three years in light of the crisis.
Home Secretary Priti Patel played an important part in sorting out schemes for those who do not have any British ties and so might find it more difficult to come to the UK.
She told The Sun: “In response to the desperation I saw with my own eyes at the Polish border two days ago, I’m urgently escalating our response to the growing humanitarian crisis.
“I am now investigating the legal options to create a humanitarian route.
“This means anyone without ties to the UK fleeing the conflict in Ukraine will have a right to come to this nation.”
What is the Homes for Ukraine Scheme?
The Homes for Ukraine Scheme is an incentive for those Ukrainian refugees who have no British family ties.
This will allow them to be sponsored by a British individual, charity, business or community group and will give them a home rent-free.
Ukrainians would be able to live, work, study and have access to public funds in the UK with a visa that lasts up to three years.
People hosting refugees will be asked to commit to the scheme for six months minimum, but if possible, they are encouraged to help out for as long as they can.
As a 'thank you', the Government will be giving these volunteers £350-per-month.
The website for the scheme will be launched on Monday, March 14.
What is the Ukraine Family Scheme?
The Ukraine Family Scheme is open to any Ukrainian who has family in the UK.
Parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren can travel to the UK under the extended family visa.
Exceptional circumstances will also be considered, such as if a family would be split up under current visa restrictions.
The government guidance states those seeking refuge under this scheme must be applying to join or accompany a UK-based family member.
Applicants must have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before January 1, 2022.
How else can I help Ukrainians?
There are lots of different ways to help Ukrainians if you cannot offer sponsorship or a family visa.
Donate money
There are many charities taking cash donations to help refugees.
Donations can buy food, water and shelter as well as warm blankets and clothing.
The British Red Cross is one of the main charities taking donations.
Others include:
Contact the government
There are many petitions and other ways to ask your MP and other government officials to help Ukraine.
Petitions on the official government website and change.org are usually the most impactful.
You can also write to your local MP to express support for Ukraine and ask them to encourage the government to act.
If you are not confident in writing your own email there are many templates online.
Donate clothing
Lots of community centres and other local businesses have opened up collection centres for clothing donations.
Most are looking for outwear such as coats and gloves as well as baby supplies and sanitary products.
People have been sharing pop-up donation centres on social media.
Use cryptocurrency
Some activists are arming the Ukrainian forces using cryptocurrency.
They have sent military equipment, medical supplies and drones.
Crypto is also being used to fund a facial recognition app to identify Russian mercenaries and spies.
Use social media
Social media is a powerful tool for sharing information as long as that information is correct and not harmful.
Avoid Russian propaganda and fact check everything you see with verified sources of information.
The (UCMC) said: “Look for reliable and fact-checked news.
“Disinformation is a part of Russian war.
“Share as much fact-based information about Russian aggression as you can.
"Do not post any information about the movement of Ukraine’s armed forces."
Protest
Thousands have already taken part in protests across the country and globally.
People are protesting the treatment of the Ukrainian people and to encourage governments to sanction Russia.
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Cities like Glasgow, London, Brighton and Oxford have seen protestors waving Ukrainian flags and holding up protest signs.
More and more sanctions are being placed on Russia by governments and companies alike.
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