THE MP for Maidenhead has welcomed the Government’s plans to help Ukrainian refugees.
Theresa May, whose constituency includes parts of Wokingham borough, called the Homes for Ukraine scheme a “lifeline.”
Phase one will allow sponsors to nominate a named Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property. Those being sponsored do not have to have family ties to the UK.
Mrs May said: “Ukrainians have suffered greatly at the hands of a repressive Russian regime, having fled their homes following Putin’s war of oppression.
“Now residents have an opportunity to respond and support refugees who are travelling across Europe to the UK.”
Sponsors can be individuals, charities, community groups and businesses. They need to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of 6 months. In return, they will receive £350 per month.
“It is a lifeline to those who have been forced to flee and I hope that residents from across my constituency who can provide a home for Ukrainians will consider being sponsors,” Mrs May said.
People arriving in the UK under the scheme will be granted three years leave to remain, with entitlement to work and access benefits and public services.
The visa application process will go live this Friday, March 18.
Applicants will be vetted and will undergo security checks.
For more information or to record interest, visit: homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk
