The Council has decided to advocate for more certainty and support for Ukrainian nationals living in the UK amidst ongoing war in Ukraine.

URL: https://scambs.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12812

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: A vote was taken (unanimous) and the motion was carried as follows:   “Council notes: The ongoing war in Ukraine started in February 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea and the Donbas and was escalated following the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. From March 2022, under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, Ukrainian nationals and their family members have been able to apply to come to the UK in order to escape the conflict. Initially, this scheme meant that Ukrainian nationals were able to live, work and claim benefits in the UK for a period of three years, however in February 2024, this was reduced to 18 months. In February 2024, The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme was launched, allowing Ukrainian nationals living in the UK with permission under one of the existing schemes with less than 28 days left on their visa to extend it for a further 18 months.   Council recognises that: The short duration of these schemes (18 months) has left many Ukrainians now living in the UK facing significant uncertainty as well as difficulties accessing housing, jobs and educational opportunities. Whilst there are visas which would enable some Ukrainians to stay for longer (5 years), such as Skilled Worker visas or Global Talent visas, not all Ukrainians living in the UK would be eligible for such schemes and therefore cannot benefit from the relative certainty they provide.   Council further recognises that: For many young Ukrainians who have come to the UK since 2022, their friendship groups are now entirely rooted within the UK, and many now speak English as their primary language. Whilst the Ukrainian Government is encouraging Ukrainian nationals to return to the country, many Ukrainians feel it is still not safe. For many Ukrainians, returning home is impossible due to either the destruction of their homes or to the continued Russian occupation and offensives which renders much of Ukraine as dangerous as ever. The lack of affordable housing, employment and other support available in “safer” regions of Ukraine, coupled with continued periodic attacks from Russia, and the associated stress and mental health problems, means that relocating to even these “safer” regions is not possible for many.   Council believes that: Ukrainian nationals living in the UK deserve certainty about their right to live in the UK, and that the Government has a moral duty to continue to support them. Where Ukrainian nationals have settled in the UK, that have enriched the communities they joined, as evidenced by the 974 people who arrived in South Cambridgeshire.   Council resolves to: Request that the Leader to write to the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary expressing our concerns regarding these schemes and to ask the Government to consider how it can give Ukrainian nationals in the UK more certainty about their continued ability to live in the UK and asking the Government to explore new visa routes for Ukrainians settled in the UK who don’t have the ability to return to Ukraine. In drafting the letter, request that the Leader engage with Ukrainians living in South Cambridgeshire to incorporate their lived experiences. Request that the Leader to write to Local MPs to make them aware of the Council’s concerns and to ask them for their support in pushing for a fair outcome for Ukrainians living in South Cambridgeshire.”

Date of Decision: July 17, 2025