As part of the government’s response to the invasion of Ukraine, a new scheme is being set up to enable Ukrainians and their immediate family members — who don’t already have links with the UK — to come to the country.
The first part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme opened on 18 March and allows for visa applications from Ukrainians who have named people willing to sponsor them.
This can include individuals or organisations who do not know anyone personally leaving Ukraine. At present, the scheme is only open to individuals who have a spare room or self-contained accommodation to offer.
There are currently very few details, but the government has signalled that charities, faith groups, businesses, councils and communities will all need to work together to provide the support needed by people fleeing the war.
Anyone who wants to be a sponsor can register their interest here and they will then receive updates as further information becomes available.
Many high-profile employers have already indicated their interest in offering their vacant roles to Ukrainian refugees and are said to be working with the government to find the best way to secure employment for those fleeing the war.
Currently, those wishing to employ Ukrainian workers would need to ensure that the individual had a status allowing them the right to work in the UK, or look to sponsor them through the skilled worker scheme or another available route under the immigration rules. It is expected that the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, once open to businesses, would either create a new process whereby Ukrainian workers can be hired, or remove some of the strict requirements of the skilled worker visa for those individuals.
Whilst we are awaiting the details, employers should be conscious of the discrimination risks if they implement a policy of hiring Ukrainian individuals over other applicants. For right to work check purposes, employers should also ensure they are familiar with the types of documents which are being issued quickly to Ukranian individuals.
