The system is not working: Britain complains about government support for Ukrainian refugees

The Homes for Ukraine programme, which once symbolised British support and sympathy for Ukrainians, is now increasingly causing disappointment. Guests complain about bureaucracy, visa delays and a lack of real help, while Ukrainian families complain about language barriers and difficulties finding accommodation. Find out why a system designed to be a lifeline has become a source of new challenges for thousands of people

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When the UK launched the Homes for Ukraine programme in 2022, tens of thousands of Britons opened their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war. At the time, it seemed that the country would set an example of humanity and rapid response. But three years later, participants in the programme are increasingly complaining that ‘the system has failed the test’ and ‘is bogged down in bureaucracy.’ The Independent writes about this after talking to participants in the programme.

Applying for permanent residence in the UK is a complex process with numerous requirements and nuances. Our lawyers specialize in immigration law and have a proven track record of successfully assisting clients in such matters. We will advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation, help you with the paperwork, and represent your interests so that you can confidently move toward your desired status.

‘The support system doesn't work’: the experience of British hosts

Among those who joined the programme is Juliet Grover, the daughter of a Jewish refugee. She took in a family from Dnipro — a mother with two children who fled Ukraine with only a small backpack. The woman hoped that the paperwork would be processed quickly, but the process turned into chaos: the visas took four months to process, and the documents of one of the children disappeared without a trace.

To sort things out, Juliet travelled from Wales to Sheffield, but even there she was denied entry to the Home Office building. According to her, bureaucracy and a lack of communication on the part of the authorities made it almost impossible to help Ukrainians.

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How Ukrainians live in Britain

Olena, Juliet's ward, worked in a bank in Ukraine, and her husband was an engineer. In the UK, they are forced to work as a cleaner and a supermarket employee. Despite their desire to integrate and work in their profession, they face many barriers, from complex visa procedures to language restrictions.

Grover admits that it was only through personal effort that she managed to enrol her children in school and obtain insurance numbers for them. But most hosts do not have the time or resources to go through this process with their wards.

Language barrier and visas

One of the main problems remains the lack of official translations. Most government forms and instructions are only available in English, which makes the system virtually inaccessible to those who do not speak the language. Elderly migrants, many of whom are former doctors and teachers, suffer particularly badly — they are not entitled to a British pension and are forced to look for any job, often unofficial.

There are currently around 300,000 Ukrainians living in the UK, most of whom have temporary visas. The government has allowed them to be extended for another two years, but the procedure itself is causing new difficulties. Applications must be submitted 28 days in advance, and processing takes up to eight weeks. During this time, people risk being left without work, housing or even access to their bank accounts.

Housing problems

Renting accommodation remains one of the most pressing issues. Without a British guarantor or deposit, it is almost impossible to find a flat. Landlords often refuse to rent to people with temporary status. As a result, many Ukrainians continue to depend on volunteers or are forced to move frequently.

Overall, the Homes for Ukraine programme has indeed saved tens of thousands of lives, but today it needs to be updated. Participants insist that without reforms, language support and a transparent visa renewal system, Ukrainians will remain ‘temporarily’ in a country that promised them stability.

If you are planning to obtain permanent residence in the UK, we recommend that you seek advice from professional lawyers. Our experts will help you understand the complex requirements, prepare all the necessary documents, and accompany you at every stage of the process. With our help, you can avoid mistakes that could result in your application being rejected and significantly increase your chances of success.

Reminder! The UK is preparing the most significant tightening of immigration rules in recent years. To obtain ILR status, applicants will now be required to have 10 years of legal residence, an impeccable reputation and proof of contribution to the economy. Find out how the government plans to change the permanent residence system.

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