The ‘Homes for Ukraine” scheme enables those Ukrainians refugees (guests) who do not have family in UK to secure sanctuary here. They need a sponsor (host) in the UK to apply for a visa. The two parties, guest and host, are then matched through a charity, organisation or willing individual.
In Rye we have an informal multi-faceted group, which has made contact with some refugees in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
We are in daily touch with Rother District Council and Rother Voluntary Action and are promulgating information via a Facebook page. A communication structure between Rye, Rother and Lewes has been established to handle business related to the scheme.
Hosts will be vetted by local authorities (ESCC and Fire Service). Government identity (biometric) checks will be completed for guests to allay security concerns, although this process is proving to be slow and bureaucratic.
From early experience, we know that a visa application requires “hours” of form filling and document copying. Reports in the press suggest that many feel that there should be a simpler system, perhaps handled by emergency centres along the refugee route or even involving the armed services. Despite the challenges, some guests are getting through.
Hosts will receive £350 a month; and local authorities will get £10,500 extra funding per refugee for services such as mental health support and education.
In anticipation of Ukrainian refugees arriving in the district, the Rye group is prepared to help with travel, reception, matching and local support. A local social hub could be established.
If anyone is prepared to act as a host or just help with the scheme then do get in touch through our Facebook page.
Image Credits: UK Government .
I’m honoured to be in zoom/messaging contact with family of 7…mumand dad and 5 children aged 1.5 to 11…hopefully we can get through all the paperwork x7 getting help from volunteers. The family are in the Vendee in France!
I gather from news last night Goudhurst is taking in 15 families. The more the better as they will be supportive and company for each other…sharing language and culture and experiences.
Jill. Thanks. I was aware that someone had offered space to a family of 7 but was unaware of the host. Unfortunately the authorities have decided not to share data with local groups. First you have to get through the visa system which is defeating many. Once through, bear in mind that there a lot of free travel on offer to reach UK. Our Rye group is considering with Rother and RVA everything that needs to be tackled in terms of reception and support once they arrive in UK. Other local hosts are seeking visas for UA guests. There could be several families in Rye District. Do keep in touch.
Anthony Kimber
REACT
Anthony you say keep in touch….how do I keep in touch? Am negotiating with East Sussex Refugee Council. Initially I applied via International Refugee Council 6 weeks ago then more recently with the government sponsorship scheme. With the IRC I submitted detailed forms of information with two referees. It all seems very complicated! Volunteer with ESC says they will help me with further forms which she says will be x7 as there are 7 in the family! I looked at the forms the family will have ti fill in…they are daunting.
When this government can’t even find the humanity to offer visas for families of very sick children it has brought to the UK under much fanfare, what hope for ordinary folk trying to negotiate the visa maze? Much respect to those offering homes and refuge, would that our leaders were able to show a fraction of the same common decency and solidarity rather than playing a PR game. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/31/ukrainian-children-with-cancer-airlifted-to-uk-remain-split-from-families?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Jill. Yes, once “hosts” have registered withe government scheme (as below), the visa application process is challenging, as reported widely in the press.
https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine
The “Rye Group” has a Facebook page ( as above) and can be direct messaged. Some “hosts” are going it alone but we can help if people require.
News this morning is that the Minister has pledged a 48 hour turnaround for visas and the Home Office is allocating more resources for the process. We have yet see. There are special pages now on the Rother and Rother Voluntary Action websites, including the Rye contact.
https://www.rva.uk.com/ukraine-crisis/
my passport needed renewing , application sent and paid for but it is holding up my family completing their visa application. Until they have completed I cannot get council and fire service and DBS done. It is all very uncertain and worrying for all. We text daily and family are making friends in France and getting support from those around them.
ivanka ..Mum ..is worried about wildlife pond which is too large to shelter as it takes up half the garden. Have sent them pics. it is a source of fascination for children and adults with newts , dragonflies, water boatmen etc. but careful supervision is required! They have made particulat friends with an Argentinian family. There are many possibilities for them. They have many gifts and will be an asset for any country fortunate enough to receive them. Many are longing to return to Uktaine and are doing so already although seeing the devastation the rebuilding is an enormous task.
Many regret that the scheme is fraught with problems. The latest on host clearances is here: “To be clear ESCC and ESFireRS are leading on DBS and property inspections. Hosts can expect a direct contact from these organisations once they are matched” …….and probably not until visas for guests issued.
Work by Anthony, Dana and others is outstanding, thank you for all you are doing.We hope to contribute with painting sessions and music. Vasyl and Ivanka are musical and Vasyl as well as playing accordian etc is a folk singer.
I accept that my low banisters, steep stairs, large wildlife pond are hazards but am hoping they can settle and live nearby and continue our friendship established through texting and a zoom!
The piano is newly tuned and ready to go! Also hoping to have my renewed passport which was also a hindrance to prove I’m a bona fide person!
just heard to-day from my lovely family waiting in the Vendee that they are getting tired of waiting and think it may be impossible for then to come to the UK!