UK introduces measures to assist British nationals in the Ukraine and Ukrainian nationals in the UK

In response to the Ukraine crisis, the UK has introduced an array of measures to assist British nationals in Ukraine as well as family members of Ukrainian nationals in the UK.

Ukrainians who are on work, study, or visit visas in the UK will have their visas temporarily extended or be able to switch onto different visa routes.

Changes announced for Ukrainian nationals in the UK include:

• Ukrainian nationals on an existing points-based system route can extend their leave in the UK
• Ukrainian nationals on an existing visitor visa can exceptionally switch into a points-based system immigration route without having to leave the UK
• Ukrainian nationals on an existing visitor visa can apply under the family route for further leave without meeting the immigration status requirement, provided they meet the requirements for leave based on exceptional circumstances
• Ukrainian nationals on an existing seasonal worker visa will have their leave in the UK extended to 31 December 2022
• Ukrainian nationals in temporary HGV/pork butcher jobs will have their leave in the UK extended to 31 December 2022 and will also be allowed to apply to the skilled worker route

These concessions are available for people with valid visas in the UK.

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of Ukrainian nationals living in the UK permanently or Ukrainian family members of British nationals to come to the UK to join their family members here free of charge.

Family members can include immediate family members, extended family members as well as extended family members of immediate family members.

Ukrainian nationals with no family members in the UK cannot currently make applications to come to the UK.

Belarusian and Russian nationals can continue to make applications in the normal course under the UK immigration rules, and there is currently no blanket ban on any applications from Belarusian or Russian nationals.   They are not permitted to make applications from neighbouring countries. We do not expect concessions to be introduced for either of these nationalities.

If you have any questions about immigration matters, please contact Jay Moghal and he will be happy to assist.