War in Ukraine: 44,000 people sign up to host a Ukrainian refugee in 5 hours

The UK government’s new Homes for Ukraine visa scheme launched yesterday, with 43,800 people signing up to the website to host a refugee in the first five hours.

Sponsor a Ukrainian national's visa

People who wish to host a Ukrainian refugee or refugees in their home can register their interest online. From Friday, they will be able to individually sponsor a Ukrainian national's visa.

You must be able to host them rent-free in your home or a separate residence for at least six months. Each household welcoming a refugee will be given £350 a month, tax-free.

Hosts will not be expected to supply food and living expenses.

To be up and running as soon as possible

It was initially reported that you would not have to know a refugee in order to apply. But the government has since clarified that initial applications will require the applicant knowing the name of an individual from Ukraine they want to help.

Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove said that for now the sponsorship scheme is only for people who already know each other, so it gets ‘up and running as soon as possible.’

The scheme is open to Ukrainian nationals and immediate family members who had been resident prior to 1 January.

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The scheme to be expanded

The scheme will soon be expanded with the support of charities, community groups, and churches who can assist with matching refugees to hosts.

It is not yet clear when this will occur but Mr Gove said it would expand 'rapidly.'

On Monday night, Mr Gove said that all parts of the UK would be involved in the scheme, including Northern Ireland.

The new scheme comes as its revealed that almost three million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded almost three weeks ago, according to the United Nations.

Neighbouring Poland has been under strain strain due to the high numbers of refugees arriving in the country, with towns such as Zamosc receiving on some days up to 35,000 people.