Overview

• The UK government announced the closure of the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme, effective immediately, to ensure sustainability of support for Ukrainian refugees.
• Over 200,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the UK since the conflict began, with the scheme having facilitated 72,000 visas.
• Critics, including opposition politicians and refugee advocates, have condemned the closure as 'cruel' and a risk to vulnerable Ukrainians.
• The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, offering an alternative route for Ukrainians without family ties in the UK.
• The government has also announced an 18-month visa extension for Ukrainians already in the UK under existing schemes.