Thousands of Ukrainian refugees in the UK could lose their jobs and homes due to uncertainty over the validity of their visas. According to The Telegraph, of the 250,000 Ukrainians who have been granted asylum in the UK, 40% have said they cannot prove to employers and landlords that they will be able to stay in the country after March 2025. This puts them in a difficult position, as many are unable to find or keep jobs and housing, putting them at risk of homelessness and unemployment.
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Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than six million people have fled the country, and around 220,000 Ukrainians have been granted asylum in the UK under the family visa scheme or the Homes for Ukraine programme. However, the visas, which are valid for three years, will soon expire, and Ukrainians must apply for visa extensions under a new programme that opened on 4 February 2025. However, the period between the opening of the application process and the receipt of a decision has caused considerable uncertainty.
A survey of 1,133 refugees conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham found that 39 per cent of respondents had experienced difficulties in proving their right to live and work in the UK after their initial visa expired. 41 per cent said they had lost the opportunity to get a new job due to uncertainty, and 22 per cent said their work contract had not been renewed. In addition, 26 per cent of respondents were unable to renew their lease and 24 per cent were unable to sign a new lease.
This situation has also had a significant psychological impact: 43.5% of respondents said they suffer from severe anxiety due to the uncertainty of the future. Most of the respondents have school-age children, and many are worried about the possible consequences for their health and education.
The researchers suggested that the UK government should automatically extend the validity of all Home to Ukraine visas for 18 months to avoid the costly and emotionally draining application process.
Read also: Czechia introduces special residence permit for Ukrainian refugees
