**Ukrainians in UK face uncertainty over visa status**
Ukrainian refugees living in the UK are struggling to find jobs and homes because of uncertainty over their visa status. Many were initially given a three-year stay permit, but now face difficulties renewing their visas or finding employment.
A survey found that 41% of Ukrainians had lost a new job opportunity due to visa uncertainty, while 26% said their tenancy was not renewed. The survey also revealed that 22% of respondents said a job contract was not renewed and 24% could not sign a new tenancy.
The UK government says it is committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia, but charities say many refugees are struggling to cope with the uncertainty over their visas. Some have reported being refused jobs or rental properties because of their visa status.
**Visa extension process**
The Home Office has introduced the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, which allows Ukrainians to extend their visas for up to 18 months. However, this process can take up to eight weeks and some refugees are struggling to navigate it.
One Ukrainian woman, Mila, is waiting for her visa extension to be approved and faces being left without a home. Another, Tatiana, struggled to find a new job after her contract ended because of uncertainty over her visa status.
**Concerns over visa system**
Charities are concerned that the volume of visa applications could overwhelm the system in the coming months. Settled, a charity supporting Ukrainian refugees, has seen an increase in technical issues which have left people unable to prove their visa status or progress their applications for an extension.
Simone Schehtman, who runs the Birmingham for Ukraine support group, said: “It’s a complete disaster. We’ve got about 100,000 Ukrainians about to submit their [extension application].”
**Government response**
A government spokesperson said it is committed to supporting Ukraine and providing a safe haven for those fleeing conflict. However, charities say more needs to be done to support refugees facing uncertainty over their visas.
Read More @ {{domain}}