UK extends Ukrainian refugee support program by two years
Ukrainian refugees (Photo: Kacper Pempel/REUTERS)
The UK government has extended its Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) program for another two years, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced on Sept. 1.
“We will continue to play our part in supporting Ukraine by extending the Ukraine Permission Extension program for an additional 24 months,” Cooper told the House of Commons.
“Full details will be published in due course.”
The secretary said assistance for families from Ukraine, Syria, and Hong Kong underscores London’s commitment to people fleeing persecution or conflict.
Launched last year, UPE allows Ukrainian nationals and their dependents who hold status under one of five visa schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme or permission to stay outside standard immigration rules) to extend their legal stay in the UK by up to 18 months. There is no fee, and applicants retain the same rights as under their original status: the right to work, rent housing, and access public services.
Applications are filed online up to 28 days before a current visa expires. Upon approval, status is updated in the applicant’s electronic visa record; biometric data may be requested.
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