After having allowed just 50 visas so far, the UK is now stepping up
Britons are set to welcome refugees into their homes from next week after the UK government announced a “sponsored” humanitarian route allowing Ukrainians to migrate.
As per Sky News, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “on Monday, you’ll get from the levelling up secretary, you’ll get the programme that will allow people to come in, so (if) people want to welcome (refugees) into their own homes, they can do so.”
The Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove is set to detail the specifics of the humanitarian effort to welcome Ukrainians without existing family links in Britain; it is thought that the vetting process includes a potential minimum period of six months.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the asylum strategy will include a hotline and webpage where individuals, charities, businesses and community groups will be able to offer rooms to those escaping the conflict, and officials are set to match offers of free accommodation from the sponsoring individuals and organisations.
The scheme is thought to be developing at pace and with “extensive engagement with Ukrainian partners”. The UK government had previously come under fire after it was revealed that just 50 refugees had been offered visas following the Russian invasion.
Since then, the application process is said to have been simplified and in addition to everyday Brits being encouraged to offer bed and board where possible, it will now be much easier for refugees to secure safe passage and businesses and community groups will be ready and waiting to offer rooms to those escaping the conflict.
Poland has welcomed 500,000 Ukrainians across its border.
The UK has granted 50 visas.
It is a national disgrace. pic.twitter.com/Y1fK0G5kGP
— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) March 7, 2022
Related links:
- Russia says claims it bombed maternity hospital is fake news – dismisses ‘pathetic outcry’
- Refugee crisis: ‘Why must I live like an animal, while Ukrainians get help to England?’
- Prince William called out for ‘tone deaf’ and ‘racist’ comments about Ukraine invasion
