A three-year program granting Ukrainian asylum seekers the right to reside in the UK has concluded.
A new survey from the University of Birmingham, reported by The Telegraph, indicates that thousands of Ukrainian migrants in the UK are at risk of losing their jobs and homes due to uncertainty surrounding visa renewals.
Approximately 270,000 Ukrainian citizens currently reside in the UK under schemes like ‘Homes for Ukraine,’ which provided three-year visas to those fleeing the conflict with Russia. This scheme is now closed to new applicants, and existing visas are expiring. While the new ‘Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme’ allows for 18-month visa renewals, applications were only accepted starting February 4th, resulting in a backlog and leaving many in a state of legal uncertainty.
A survey of over 1,100 Ukrainian migrants revealed that 41% have lost job opportunities, and 22% have been denied contract renewals due to their unclear immigration status. Around 26% reported being unable to renew rental agreements, while a quarter were unable to sign new leases.
The survey also indicated increased mental stress among respondents, with 43.5% reporting anxiety and panic attacks related to their immigration status. Over half of the surveyed Ukrainian refugees have school-aged children, increasing concerns about long-term stability.
The study’s researchers have called on the UK government to automatically extend visas for Ukrainians. However, Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that the findings reflect broader systemic issues faced by most migrants with temporary visas.
A government spokesman responded to the report, stating that the UK remains “fully committed” to supporting Ukrainian migrants and is continually reviewing its visa programs. However, the spokesman did not comment on the possibility of streamlining or automating the process.
This news arrives as many European countries grapple with managing the influx of Ukrainian migrants. According to Eurostat, over 4.3 million Ukrainians are registered for temporary protection across the EU.
While Brussels insists on continued support and recently extended its visa scheme for Ukrainians until March 2026, many member states have shown reluctance to maintain the same level of support.
Germany, hosting over 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees, has considered reducing welfare benefits due to sustainability concerns. Poland has voiced opposition to accepting more migrants under the EU’s new migration pact, and the Czech Republic has announced plans to discontinue preferential treatment for Ukrainian asylum seekers.
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