A university lecturer’s mother and sister had to settle in Germany after he had to “give up” trying to bring them to Britain, while a working couple’s elderly parents ended up in Ireland after they were told they could not act as sponsors. These are among numerous Ukrainian families separated by stringent rules stemming from a decision by ministers to give those fleeing the conflict temporary three-year visas rather than full refugee status.
Emmeline Skinner Cassidy, who runs the Families Together coalition, told The Independent that “at first glance” Ukrainians appeared to have an advantage over people fleeing other countries, with bespoke routes set up under intense public pressure at the start of the war.
“But at the same time, people who’ve arrived under Homes for Ukraine or the Ukraine family scheme aren’t eligible to go on to sponsor anyone themselves, and they also can’t access regular refugee family reunion because they haven’t been granted refugee status,” she explained. “If they need to bring a family member to join them here in safety, they’re reliant on finding someone settled in the UK to sponsor their family member for them.”
Ms Skinner Cassidy voiced concern that more people would be affected as the war continues raging into its second year. The government has not told Ukrainians what will happen when their three-year visas run out, and those who want to settle in the UK are becoming anxious about their future.
Esta historia es de la edición February 27, 2023 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 27, 2023 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Eubank Jr may still land the fight that everybody wants
A career spent in one of boxing’s heaviest shadows could be defined by a blockbuster bout with rival Conor Benn in 2025
English clubs must rise to challenge of tight schedules
Arsenal, Chelsea and City must battle on multiple fronts
Ineos disruptors may decide to end Ten Hag's torment
United manager’s future is in the balance at today’s meeting
One-nil to City? Club lands blow on league in legal fight
Tribunal finds some rules to be in breach of competition law but panel backs broad principles around financial fair play
Madrid mulls earlier dinner hours to cater for tourists
The populist politician Isabel Diaz Ayuso wants to draw more visitors to the city by opening restaurants earlier. But locals may not find the change so appetising, writes Graham Keeley
I have been changed by the shocking number of bodies
A paramedic in Gaza reveals the terrible toll that trying to save lives in a warzone has taken on him and his colleagues
'We don't even have gloves'
NHS medics in Gaza tell Bel Trew about the severe lack of supplies in a health system that has practically collapsed’
Families of hostages protest outside Netanyahu's home
A year after the Hamas attacks, relatives of those held in Gaza continue their vigil, reports Bel Trew from Jerusalem ane
Gen Z mortgage payments double those of older buyers
High interest rates and rising house prices mean Generation Z are facing mortgage payments twice as high as the generations before them, new analysis has shown.
Former Met Police officer Carrick charged with rape
Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick is facing charges of sex offences against two women, including rape and sexual assault.