Settled urges the UK government to amend the Ukrainian programme to protect the interests of children who remain separated from parents already in the UK due to unannounced rule changes.

On 19 February 2024, without prior notice or consultation, the UK government closed two of the humanitarian visa schemes that had been in place to support Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These visa schemes, namely the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme, had been in place since March 2022.

As a result, the only scheme remaining now is the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme. However, the changes in February also ushered in a significant change to the eligibility criteria related to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Specifically, Ukrainians in the UK who had arrived under any of the Ukraine Schemes prior to February 2024 were able to sponsor family members left behind in Ukraine provided they met the criteria. The effect of the changes brought in February is that such individuals were no longer eligible to act as sponsors because the rules now require a Sponsor to be a British citizen or settled in the UK.

As expected, this sudden change has had the consequence of displacing families, separating parents from their children, and creating opportunities for the exploitation of vulnerable individuals fleeing the conflict. We are deeply concerned that the changes brought about in February are driving parents in particular to take desperate alternatives and placing reliance on rogue advisors who often adopt unlawful methods so that desperate families can be reunited in the UK.

Six months on, the situation has deteriorated further with more and more families turning to desperate measures to bring their loved ones and children in particular to the UK.

It is unfortunate that despite the existence of this issue and frequent stories in the press to raise this issue, the necessary changes to the rules have have not been made leaving families with impossible choices.

Settled continues to receive enquiries from parents in this dilemma. Before February of this year, these parents would have been able to sponsor the arrival of their family members. This is no longer the case. In desperation, families are increasingly relying on rogue advisors exploiting barrierless entry to the UK via the Republic of Ireland. While exploiting this route results in the children getting into the UK their entry is in breach of the rules and any subsequent application for leave to remain in the UK is typically refused on that basis.

Settled has raised these concerns with the Home Office. In specific cases where we have intervened, representations have been made to the Home Office and affected children have been granted status under the Ukraine Schemes. This however involves complex legal arguments and is not an ideal solution in light of the unannounced change to the policy which allowed parents to act as sponsors between March 2022 and February 2024. The number of families in despair far outweighs the number we have been able to assist. Often, families face a cruel choice between leaving the UK to seek protection in a country where family reunification is possible, or risk a passage based on rogue advice which often results in illegal entry. .

This issue must be addressed by the government as a matter of urgency.

Settled urges the UK government to amend the Ukrainian programme to protect the interests of children who remain separated from parents already in the UK due to unannounced rule changes.

Settled urges the UK government to amend the Ukrainian programme to protect the interests of children who remain separated from parents already in the UK due to unannounced rule changes.

Please Select Language

Are Children Involved?