Information for Ukrainians fleeing Ukraine because of the war.
2 April 2022
This briefing advises Ukrainians about routes to the U.K. or Ireland. It also helps you find a U.K. Sponsor safely. We have significantly revised this advice because of safeguarding risks and delays arising from the “Homes for Ukraine Scheme”. it is based on our staff and volunteers assisting over 650 families and individuals registered with us who are in war zones in Ukraine or in bordering countries.
If you and your family are in Ukraine and it is UNSAFE, do not delay, and travel to Ireland.
If you are a Ukrainian citizen or if you are fleeing Ukraine, the Irish Government will help you when you arrive in Ireland. If you require accommodation, you will be referred to the International Protection Accommodation Service of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, who will also have staff onsite at the airport. If you don’t require accommodation immediately, you can request it at any time later on. At all times, your dignity will be respected and appropriate supports will be provided to you. If you are an unaccompanied child under age 18 years who arrives in Ireland seeking temporary protection, you will be referred to the Child and Family Agency (also called TUSLA), who will provide you with the relevant supports. More info here.
See other Resources for people fleeing Ukraine.
Apply for a UK visa under the Community Sponsorship Scheme and choose Scottish Government as your sponsor
Choose the Scottish Government as your organisation sponsor and APPLY for a U.K. Visa for every person who is flying. This means you do not have to find an individual sponsor or put yourself at risk on social media sites before you are cleared to travel to the UK through the visa system. When you first arrive in Scotland, you will get temporary accommodation for you/your family while the Scottish Government puts in place longer term support.
Apply for a UK visa and name an individual sponsor
It takes time to find a sponsor. Both you and the sponsor need to be able to deal with technology and preferably both of you will speak English. WARNING: DO NOT use Facebook or social media to find sponsors. Europol has warned that criminal gangs and traffickers are operating at ports and stations, as well as on Facebook and social media pages. Ask established NGOs for help instead, for example charities registered with the Charities Commission or the Scottish charity regulator. Positive Action in Housing is registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator.
Choose an individuals sponsor
If you don’t have a sponsor, you may request a sponsor through Room for Refugees It takes time to find a sponsor. Plus you and the sponsor need to be able to deal with technology and speak English. If you are in a war zone please travel to Ireland instead. See earlier in this briefing. No visa or sponsor required.
This is a brief guide, for a more detailed, fill in the form at this link and you will receive it.