British citizens will get paid to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion. It is in an attempt to divert displeasure over the reaction to the refugee crisis. Called “Homes for Ukraine”, the new scheme will let Ukrainian refugees enter Britain even if they do not have family ties, the government said on Sunday.
The British country will pay 350 pounds ($456) a month to the citizens in exchange for offering Ukrainian refugees a spare room or a property for at least six months. Despite displeasure over the government’s delays in accepting refugees, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is attempting to depict Britain as doing its part to assist the Ukrainians. All of the main political parties have chastised the government’s regulation; Ukrainians must obtain visas and undergo biometric testing before entering the United Kingdom. It claims that it prioritizes bureaucracy over the welfare of those escaping wars.
Providers must commit for at least six months
Under the new scheme, members of the public, charities, businesses and community groups should be able to offer accommodation via a webpage by the end of next week, the government said.
“The UK stands behind Ukraine in their darkest hour and the British public understand the need to get as many people to safety as quickly as we can,” says Michael Gove. He is the minister for housing.
People can choose a particular Ukrainian individual or family to reside with them. It comes under the Homes for Ukraine program to procure them with separate property or use rent-free. Those offering stays must give commitments for at least six months. More than 2.5 million people have fled the war in Ukraine. Another 1.9 million are displaced within the country, a UN official has said.
This comes after the authorities revealed that they might seize the multi-million-pound homes owned by Russian oligarchs. They could be useful to accommodate Ukrainian refugees under plans championed by Michael Gove. The Levelling Up Secretary argued in the Cabinet that the measure would be “payback” for Putin’s British allies.