Britain lets Ukrainian refugees stay for another 18 months

Britain will give an additional 18-month extension for Ukrainian visa holders who are eligible to stay in the United Kingdom, the Home Office said on Sunday. As part of its efforts to support Ukraine in its military efforts, Britain also said it would supply thousands of drones to Kyiv and urged U.S. lawmakers to vote for a $95 billion security aid package for Ukraine and other allies.

Britain will give an additional 18-month extension for Ukrainian visa holders who are eligible to stay in the United Kingdom, the Home Office said on Sunday. From early 2025, hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled Ukraine following Russia's invasion will be able to apply to stay in Britain and continue to have rights to access work, healthcare and education, the government said.

"This new visa extension scheme provides certainty and reassurance for Ukrainians in the UK on their future as this war continues, and we will continue to provide a safe haven for those fleeing the conflict," migration minister Tom Pursglove said in a statement. Britain has two schemes for Ukrainian refugees - one for those with family already in the UK and another allowing Britons to offer accommodation to those fleeing the war - as Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches its third year.

The Home office said the extension would affect more than 283,000 Ukrainians in Britain. As part of its efforts to support Ukraine in its military efforts, Britain also said it would supply thousands of drones to Kyiv and urged U.S. lawmakers to vote for a $95 billion security aid package for Ukraine and other allies.

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