15 Mar 2022
CIH responds to Homes for Ukraine scheme launch
On Monday 14 March, the secretary of state Michael Gove launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme, allowing individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties to the UK.
The new scheme supporting UK householders to host refugees is a positive step, but we have significant concerns about implementation. There are a number of practical questions to be answered - as set out in the Nearly Legal blog 'The forthcoming Ukranian housing scheme'. We can expect this crisis to run for longer than six months so planning is needed beyond the immediate term.
Ukrainians seeking safety will still need to go through a complex visa application process, in contrast to the approach of other countries across Europe. They should be given immediate protection and recognised as refugees, as the UK is obliged to give under the UN refugee convention.
The Government’s response highlights well documented concerns about the Nationality and Borders Bill which has been condemned by the UN and would undermine the UK's obligations under the UN refugee convention.
We are keeping our Housing Rights website up to date with all of the latest news, developments and information you need.
