By Emma McClelland - 30 May 2022
While people in the UK are working hard to welcome and support those fleeing the war in Ukraine, misinformation about their rights under the government’s schemes causes unnecessary strain, as this story from one of our recent beneficiaries shows…
Victoriya* is a 37-year old woman who arrived in the UK alone under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine). Immediately, Victoriya needed help with food, as she is currently living on a Ukrainian salary of £40/month as a lecturer at a Ukrainian University. But these payments will soon stop as lectures are due to end in two weeks. After issuing her with a food voucher and explaining how they work, we introduced Victoriya to the Universal Credit system and outlined how that could help her.
Misinformation from employers
In an attempt to support herself, Victoriya applied for a job at a popular fast food restaurant chain, but they refused her at an interview, claiming that she needed a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Under the Ukraine Scheme, when someone enters the country, the Border Force will stamp their passport with permission to enter, valid for six months with no restrictions on taking up employment. Despite explaining that a stamp or a visa in a valid Ukrainian passport is enough for an employer to hire someone and showing official guidance, the chain still refused to consider her.
It is true that refugees looking to extend their initial six-month stay for up to three years can apply for a Biometric Residence Permit, but they do not need this in the immediate term in order to take up employment. Victoriya has applied for her BRP and attended her UKVACS centre appointment. She is now awaiting a decision.
Misinformation from sponsors
Meanwhile, Victoriya's sponsor has informed her that once she starts work she must pay rent. This is, of course, false, as accommodation should be provided for free under the Scheme. We have advised her to report any issues to the local council and are chasing them for the £200 interim payment that arrivals under the Scheme are eligible for in order to cover their subsistence costs.
Additionally, we have referred Victoriya to the Welcome Centre, a hugely useful resource run by the AUGB (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain). And, as Victoriya continues to try and pick up her life here in the UK, we have helped her to fill in a D1 form to exchange her driving licence, which can be done as part of an agreement between UK and Ukraine.
Misinformation can't go unchallenged
For people like Victoriya, arriving in a foreign country without familial support and having to navigate unfamiliar processes and systems in a language that isn't your mother tongue, reaching safety is not the end of the story. It is just the beginning. And, without understanding, communication and cooperation from employers, local authorities and UK sponsors, already traumatised people are at risk of poverty, homelessness, and a severe decline in mental health.
Where you see it, please combat any misinformation Ukrainian refugees under these Schemes may receive and, if you know someone who needs help, please get in touch.
To support our team as they help those arriving from Ukraine, please consider making a donation: https://www.workrightscentre.org/support-us
*Name changed to protect anonymity
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