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Several Ukrainian families have enquired about bringing family members over to Guernsey as refugees, but there have been no official applications yet.
An extended visa scheme has been launched in the UK and extends to families in Guernsey as well.
The initiative allows people from Ukraine, who have been displaced by the ongoing war with Russia, to join family members in the UK and now the Channel Islands.
“We are expecting to receive applications based on the enquiries we have had,” said the Deputy Chief Officer of the Guernsey Border Agency, Peter Knee.
“This would be via the UK visa system with the UK then requesting that we verify an entry clearance application.” 
Pictured: “We have also received requests for Ukrainian nationals to extend their stay,” said Mr Knee.
The UN has reported that more than one million people have already left their homes and crossed borders into other countries.
It’s understood that Europe could face a refugee crisis involving up to four million people if the conflict continues.
Express spoke to the Minister for External Relations and Constitutional Affairs, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, who has been “heartened” by the response from people in Guernsey.
“I think, as a son of parents who lived through the German Occupation, that Guernsey has responded with a huge amount of empathy and solidarity," he said.
“[This] is a great basis for our continued response, because I don’t think this is going to be over quickly.”
Pictured: “I’m heartened to hear from people who want to offer their support in any way they can,” said Deputy Le Tocq.
Deputy Le Tocq has always been in favour of welcoming refugees from any warzone and said he understands why this time the response has been greater in Guernsey.
“I have been more surprised perhaps than expected [at the response], but in some ways one can see how this, being closer to home, with a certain degree of similarity with what happened in the second world war… hits the average Bailiwick resident,” he said.
“There are more family ties here perhaps [than] if there was a crisis further afield: I know lots of people here have connections with Ukraine, with family or the countries who are receiving the bulk of refugees, so it’s not that surprising that we’ve seen this response.”
Deputy Le Tocq explained that any support we do offer will be required for quite some time.
“Any conflict in that part of Europe is not easily resolved and has ramifications that’ll continue for years if not decades.”
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