Ukrainian refugees in the UK are facing the threat of losing their jobs and homes due to bureaucratic restrictions. The reason is that their visas cannot be extended through the new UPE program, which will be operational from February, writes The Telegraph.

In November, a scheme to extend the stay permit for Ukrainian refugees was introduced, allowing them to remain in the UK for another 18 months after their visas expire, the publication notes. However, they can only apply for an extension within 28 days of their visas expiring.


The restrictions have reportedly led to employers terminating employment contracts with Ukrainians or not inviting them for interviews amid the uncertainty.

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According to estimates by the charity Opora, which runs an online information portal for Ukrainians in Britain, the employment of about 20 Ukrainians, representing 15% of the total number of refugees, has been threatened by these rules.

Yana Pronina, 33, told the publication that her contract for a teaching position at a London college was terminated due to her uncertain visa status.




“At first, I had a hard time finding a job because my Ukrainian qualifications were insufficient. I completed a teacher training course in London at my own expense after the employment center refused me funding,” said a teacher from Ukraine.

She said she got a job through an agency, and a year later she interviewed again for the same position directly at the college and got a permanent contract. However, it was cancelled two months later because her visa was officially expiring.

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A 49-year-old Ukrainian man, who also lives in London, explained that his employer also refused to extend his employment contract for the same reasons.

“I passed the competition with 30 applicants for the position. Now I am sending out my resume, but after checking the right to work, I am not even invited for interviews,” the man said.

Alex Sobel, the chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on Ukraine, said he had discussed the issue with the relevant departments.

“I think that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government should cooperate with the Department of Business and Trade, communicate with employers to ensure the continuity of employment of Ukrainians,” Sobel noted.

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He added that the government must give firms “confidence that they can continue to employ Ukrainians.” After all, problems with the UPE, Sobel noted, could create an economic problem for the UK, where Ukrainian refugees have taken up many vacancies in certain sectors, including agriculture and the hospitality business.

Also, some Ukrainian refugees in the UK have faced refusal to rent private housing due to visas.

“The support provided to Ukrainian refugees… is commendable and the 18-month extension is very welcome. However, the current visa extension process risks undermining the potential of these schemes to enable people to build stable and self-sufficient lives in the UK,” said Stan Benes, director of the charity Opora.