Context
The question addresses the ongoing support for Ukrainian refugees, specifically their pathway to long-term residency and integration.
Question
If she will take steps to provide Ukrainian refugees with a route to permanent settlement. The recent 24-month extension of the Ukraine permission extension scheme demonstrates our intention to ensure that people have stability through the Ukraine schemes. I know that the Government do not want to give the Ukrainians permanent settlement—they have made that very clear—but will the Minister at least devise a pathway by which to give visa security to Ukrainians so that they can study and get mortgages and jobs? They are restricted in their ability to do those things.
Answer from Mike Tapp
The Government remain grateful for the generosity shown towards the Ukrainians who sought sanctuary here. The recent 24-month extension of the Ukraine permission extension scheme demonstrates our intention to ensure that people have stability through the Ukraine schemes. We are, however, monitoring developments in Ukraine and intend to update the House on long-term plans later this year. I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am listening and take these concerns seriously. I assure the House that the UPE scheme provides continuing access to work, benefits and services for those who provide proof of immigration status using a share code. We have been clear that this bespoke cohort is temporary, and we will lay out long-term plans for them later this year.
Not addressed: The specific ask about devising a pathway to give visa security so Ukrainians can study and get mortgages was not directly addressed.
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