Ukrainian Families Forced to Take Desperate Measures to Reunite with Children
The UK government's changes to the Homes for Ukraine scheme have left many Ukrainian families in a desperate situation, forcing them to resort to illegal routes and "rogue advisers" to bring their children to Britain.
The government, which has pledged "ironclad" support for Ukrainians, has been repeatedly warned that the changes made to the Ukrainian sponsorship schemes in February 2024 are preventing children from joining their parents in the UK. This has led to families taking dangerous and illegal measures, putting themselves at risk of exploitation by criminals and people traffickers.
One Ukrainian mother, Natalia, was left with no choice but to bring her children from Ukraine illegally after their carer grandparent fell ill. She described the journey as terrifying, but felt she had no other option. Despite being relieved to have her children with her in the UK, she remains in constant fear over their lack of immigration status.
Charity Settled, which has assisted in over 100 cases involving Ukrainian children since the rule changes, has warned that parents are resorting to increasingly desperate measures to bring their children to the UK. They are increasingly contacted by individuals who have paid "rogue advisers" for advice that results in the children entering the UK illegally through the Republic of Ireland.
Once these children arrive in the UK, the Home Office either refuses their visa applications or they face prolonged delays, leaving them in limbo with no immigration status and excluded from social participation or public services. This puts them at risk of further exploitation.
The government has acknowledged the issues caused by the February rule changes and is taking urgent action to resolve them. However, families like Natalia's are still living in fear and uncertainty, unable to fully enjoy their reunion due to the precarious legal status of their children.
The government must act swiftly to address this situation and provide a safe and legal pathway for Ukrainian families to reunite with their children in the UK. They should also consider providing support to families struggling to find suitable accommodation, such as schemes in which local authorities act as guarantors.
The basic right of families to be together should be upheld, especially in the face of such hardship and displacement. The UK government must do more to ensure that Ukrainian families are able to rebuild their lives in safety and security.
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