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Nine Ukrainians are moving to Guernsey under the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme.
The scheme, which was introduced in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis it has provoked, allows a Ukrainian national who is an extended family member of a locally-resident British citizen to apply for the visa free of charge.
Anyone with settled status in the Bailiwick can apply on behalf for their extended family member in Ukraine to be allowed to move to the Bailiwick.
Extended family member includes parents, grandparents, adult children, siblings and immediate family members.
More information on the Ukraine Family Scheme visa is available by clicking HERE.
Pictured: The States are currently investigating whether it is possible to expand the range of refugees able to move to the Bailiwick.
The family scheme is operated separately to discussions currently taking place about the possibility of a wider refugee sponsorship scheme for refugees fleeing war in Ukraine who do not have family members already living locally.
So far, 204 households have completed an online form to express an interest.
The States are reiterating that public registrations of expressions of interest are an important part of cross-committee work to investigate the potential expansion of the existing limited visa scheme for refugees.
“The number of expressions of interest further highlights the strength of feeling from the community about the shocking events in Ukraine and islanders’ willingness to help,” they said.
“It is important to note that not everyone expressing an interest will necessarily be matched with refugees should such a scheme be adopted.”
Pictured: There are over one million refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Any refugees arriving in the Bailiwick could need access to services and support delivered across various States' committees, such as education, healthcare, immigration and social security.
“We have also been approached by a range of service providers and third sector organisations with the kind offer of wider support," said the States.
“This is very much appreciated and, if there are specific areas that either the third sector or the business or wider community can help with in due course, we will liaise with relevant stakeholders at that time.”
Pictured: Islanders have been asked to register an interest in housing Ukrainian refugees.
The States are working closely with the UK Government to understand how the UK's 'Home for Ukraine' scheme will operate - in particular, how it will match refugees with households interested in accommodating them.
“We would again ask that anyone who has already expressed an interest in helping through the UK’s website to also complete the online form...as the UK form is for UK residents only,” said the States.
Call for local households to host refugees fleeing war in Ukraine
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