Homes for Ukraine refugees scheme Newcastle: how to help, sponsor and host refugees fleeing Russia war to UK

The war in Ukraine has killed thousands of people and has displaced millions more.

The United Nations estimates more than 3 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee the country since Russia invaded on 24 February.

Many of these have been welcomed into neighbouring countries in Eastern Europe, with over 1.7 million now in Poland.

For the first time since the invasion, the UK is to have an official refugee scheme which is to call on the public to open up their homes to people fleeing Ukraine.

What is the Ukraine UK refugee scheme?

The scheme, called ‘Homes for Ukraine’, is the first official resettlement plan by the UK government to help people escaping the war in Ukraine.

Under the scheme, there will be no cap on the number of people from Ukraine coming into the UK.

The scheme will be overseen by Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, MP.

Ahead of the launch of the ‘Homes the Ukraine’, Mr Gove said: “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.”

Can I offer a room to a Ukrainian refugee in the UK?

The people of the UK are to be called on to open up their homes to Ukrainian refugees.

Individuals, charities, businesses and other organisations will be able to put forward their interest in hosting refugees.

Housing associations and councils may also be involved in the scheme.

All applications will then be vetted to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian people coming to the UK.

How do I register for the scheme?

A website was launched on 14 March where people can register their interest in housing a refugee.

It is hoped that people could be hosting Ukrainian refugees by next week.

It is also expected that a telephone hotline will be set up.

As of the evening of 17 March, over 150,000 people had signed up to host Ukrainian refugees.

The scheme opened up for visa applications on 18 March.

How long can refugees stay with a UK host family or individual?

Each Ukrainian who arrives in the UK will be able to stay in the country for up to three years.

Sponsors will be encouraged to house refugees for up to six months or more.

This six months is a minimum and the length of time which the UK government is asking people to be prepared to accommodate a refugee for.

Will I receive any financial support if I host a refugee?

The UK government will provide an amount of money for each month they have a Ukrainian person staying with them.

This will be £350 each month and will be a thank you from the government.

This does not increase for additional people and is tax free.

Other financial support will be provided to local authorities.

Local councils will be eligible for up to £10,000 per person coming in from Ukraine.

Further payments will also be available to people hosting school-age children who will need accommodation within the local education system.

Support people fleeing the devastating conflict in Ukraine: donate to the DEC appeal

Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance.