3A06N45 London, UK. 2nd March 2025. Supporters stage a rally for Ukraine outside Downing Street as various leaders attend the defence summit at Lancaster House. Credit: Vuk Valcic/Alamy Live News
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have fled their homeland to seek refuge across Europe. Within this wave of displacement, approximately 218,600 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under the Ukraine Scheme visa. As these visas begin to expire, a new dimension of uncertainty is emerging, directly impacting the lives and stability of these individuals in profound ways.
The Dilemma of Visa Extensions
The initial three-year Ukraine Scheme visas are nearing expiration, prompting the introduction of the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme. However, applications for this new scheme only opened on 4 February 2025, leaving many unable to apply beforehand. This has created a gap between application and decision, leading to significant uncertainty for the refugees. They face challenges in proving their right to remain in the UK beyond March, creating barriers to employment and housing stability.
Recent research by the University of Birmingham highlights the dire circumstances of these refugees. Among the 1,133 Ukrainian refugees surveyed, a staggering 94% plan to request visa extensions, yet 39% have already encountered issues due to difficulties in proving their residency and work rights. This extends to complications in securing jobs, renewing tenancies, obtaining loans, and even accessing healthcare services.
Impact on Employment and Housing
The research reveals unsettling statistics: 41% of respondents lost new job opportunities due to visa-related uncertainties. For another 22%, job contracts were not renewed, while 26% faced non-renewal of their tenancy, and 24% were unable to sign new leases. Beyond financial and logistic challenges, these uncertainties compound the psychological stress already endured by refugees.
The survey exposes a grim reality for Ukrainian refugees, many of whom are subjected to exploitative practices by some landlords. An individual shared the experience of being pressured to pay extraordinarily high rent increases upfront, taking advantage of their precarious legal status.
Mental Health and Family Stability
The ongoing visa uncertainties have heavily impacted mental health, with over 43% of respondents reporting severe stress and anxiety stemming from fears about their future and ongoing temporary status. Cases of chronic insomnia and panic attacks are not uncommon among those concerned about potential re-displacement.
Furthermore, the welfare of school-aged children, who constitute 58% of the refugee population surveyed, is a significant concern. Families fear the educational and emotional toll of further dislocation, especially given the extensive damage to housing infrastructure in Ukraine.
Calls for Government Action
The research underscores a pressing need for the UK government to reconsider its approach. A recommendation has been made for an automatic 18-month extension of all Ukraine Scheme visas to prevent ongoing challenges. Dr. Irina Kuznetsova, a key figure in the research, pointedly emphasized the critical nature of swift action to provide stability for these refugees.
Adding to the conversation, Labour MP Emily Thornberry expressed concerns regarding the Home Office’s capacity to manage timely processing of applications, citing past inefficiencies as indicative of systemic issues. Her sentiments were echoed by other stakeholders urging for a solution that considers humanitarian needs and facilitates smoother transitions for refugees.
The report calls for the extension of the right to settle in the UK after five years, aligning with other humanitarian pathways. At present, Ukrainians under the Ukraine Scheme are excluded from this commitment, placing added pressure on their long-term residency plans.
This scenario presents a multifaceted challenge for the UK, balancing the need for robust immigration controls with compassion and practical support for a community affected by conflict. The potential impacts of geopolitical changes in Ukraine add another layer of urgency, as many refugees cannot return to destroyed homes or occupied territories, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive policies that offer hope and tangible support.
