Councillor says Ukrainians are “more than welcome” to stay after war ends
They can currently apply for an 18 month visa extension
The councillor for communities and partnerships, Jim Grant, says Ukrainian refugees are welcome to stay in Swindon for as long as they like.
It comes as the council’s Warm Welcome team is offering support to those who would like to make use of the Ukrainian Permission Extension visa scheme and extend their visas for another one and a half years.
So far, Swindon Borough Council is not aware of any applications for visa extensions, but they are expecting most of the Ukrainian residents to apply once the Warm Welcome team gets in touch.
Cllr Grant said: “Swindon has a reputation for welcoming people from all communities around the world. For example, we've got a Polish community in Swindon. We've got a Bangladeshi community, Hindu, Somali, Turkish, with huge amounts of people. We are a rich and diverse town.
“So yeah, we are a melting pot, a mesh of cultures. And I think that hopefully the Ukrainian people that are here will get the flavour of that and should they make a home here then hopefully Swindon will welcome them”.
The Warm Welcome team has been providing one-to-one support to all almost 300 Ukrainian residents to make their transition into living in the UK easier.
This includes emotional and practical support as well as signposting them into the right direction for whatever they need.
The majority of Ukrainians are now living in independent accommodation, but 112 people are still staying with hosts under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Should they choose to extend their visas, hosts will continue to receive financial support, but the monthly payment of £500 will decrease to £350.
Addressing the Ukrainian residents in Swindon, Cllr Grant added: “You have all our sympathy from the people of Swindon. You are more than welcome to come and stay in Swindon.
“From my point of view, you can stay as long as you like, but I suspect that you would want to return to your homeland as soon as the war is over. But we think it's great that you've chosen Swindon and the UK to come and stay. You are really welcome and we love having you here and we wish you all the best for the future”.
All Ukrainians who would like to stay in the UK will have to apply for a visa extension within 28 days of their initial visa expiring.