Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, has assisted over 30 Ukrainian refugees with visa applications since the war in Ukraine began.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in Europe’s largest refugee crisis since the Second World War. The Government launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which allows the British public to open their homes to Ukrainian nationals. Across Beverley and Holderness, local residents have kindly offered their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war.
Due to the unprecedented pressure on the Home Office, many Ukrainian refugees experienced delays with their visa applications. Graham Stuart intervened on behalf of more than 30 refugee applicants to assist them obtaining visas.
Graham said “I am in awe of the generosity of local people who have opened up their homes to Ukrainian families fleeing Vladimir Putin's barbaric invasion. Over the past few months, I have been very busy helping Ukrainian refugees get the approval necessary to enter the UK. I would like to welcome all refugees to Beverley and Holderness, and would encourage any sponsors who are having difficulty with visa applications to get in touch with my office.”
Jeanette, a resident who offered her home to Ukrainian refugees, said “we had considerable problems with the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and I am very grateful to Graham for all his help achieving a positive outcome. I recommend any sponsors with issues to get in touch with Graham”
Anyone in the UK can become a sponsor, so long as they have at least six months’ leave to remain in the UK. Sponsors will be asked to provide a home or spare room for a minimum of six months. In return for this offer of rent-free accommodation, the Government will provide sponsors with a ‘thank you’ payment of £350 per month for up to 12 months. This will be tax free and will not affect an individual’s benefit entitlement or council tax status.
