The UK government has announced the extension of a program for Ukrainian citizens that allows them to legally reside in the country, work, and receive social services. This was announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, RBC-Ukraine reports
This is the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which is available to those who already have status under the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme. It is also available to people in the UK on “permission to remain outside the immigration rules”.
According to Yvette Cooper, the extension for another 24 months confirms the British government's commitment to helping those forced to leave their homes due to war or persecution. In addition to Ukrainians, support also includes families from Syria and Hong Kong.
What opportunities does the program provide:
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the right to work in the UK;
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possibility of renting housing;
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access to social assistance and education;
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status update in the eVisa .
You must apply online no later than 28 days before your current permit expires. In some cases, the British authorities may require you to re-submit your biometric data. Applications for the program will open on February 4, 2025.
Thus, Ukrainians already living in the UK were given the chance to remain there until at least 2027, while maintaining access to key rights and social guarantees.
