States confirm Ukraine visa changes

Monday 28 February 2022

The States have confirmed that visa rules are being relaxed to allow some Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country to come to the island.

They said the changes - which reflect revised immigration rules in the UK - would "support...Ukrainian nationals with family links to the island".

On Sunday, Express reported that Guernsey had been given the green light to join a fast track scheme to welcome Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country if they have a close family member already living in the island and that more details were expected today, Monday.

The States have now announced further information about the new scheme.

"Any Ukrainian national who ordinarily lives in Ukraine and is the immediate family of a locally-qualified British citizen can now apply for a visa free of charge and come to the island," said the States.

"Any Ukrainian national who has settled status in the Bailiwick can access the same offer for their immediate family living in Ukraine."

Pictured: Express reported that visa changes were on the way for Ukrainians with family in Guernsey.

The States also encouraged Ukrainian nationals who are already in the island and who have visas which will expire soon to contact immigration officials at the Guernsey Border Agency.

The States said that immigration policies are "rapidly developing" in response to the conflict in Eastern Europe and that "further announcements will be made in the days ahead".

The fast track visa scheme which Guernsey has been allowed to join allows Ukrainian nationals to apply for a free visa at temporary application posts set up in the countries neighbouring Ukraine into which thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing with their country under assault from Russian forces.

Pictured: Ukrainian families crossing the border with Hungary on Saturday to escape the war in their country. 

"The Guernsey Border Agency is working with the UK to ensure any visa applications from Ukraine are processed expediently," said the States.

"Under this new policy, visas can be applied for by:

• Ukrainians resident in Ukraine who are immediate family of locally-qualified British citizens living in Ukraine; and 
• Ukrainian nationals resident in Ukraine who are the immediate family of Ukrainian nationals who have settled status in the Bailiwick and want to join them in the island."

Useful contacts:

Guernsey Border Agency - (01481) 221417 or enquiries@gba.gov.gg

Population Management Office - population@gov.gg

General advice about events in Ukraine - externalrelations@gov.gg

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