Ukraine MP hits out at UK scheme

A Ukrainian MP has criticised the UK Government's flagship Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Lesia Vasylenko said communication has to be improved as, under the current system, refugees are feeling their disappointment and anxiety “grow every day”.

The intervention follows a similar one from Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, who expressed frustration with the visa process in place at present.

Mr Prystaiko said his own family had had to wait more than a month for a UK visa after fleeing to Slovakia, but were still in a better position than others.

CARE has urged UK Ministers to address problems with the Homes for Ukraine scheme, after reports of serious safeguarding failures.

Alarming reports have emerged of Ukrainian refugees being targeted by predatory men and left homeless after relationships with hosts soured.

Last week, Lauren Agnew, trafficking policy expert at CARE, said problems with the scheme have become “increasingly apparent”. She commented:

"We warned that people with malign intentions will use the scheme to exploit women and children. Reports of men propositioning Ukrainian women, both online and after they have been placed, confirm our fears.

“We also remain concerned that criminal networks engaged in trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation will be viewing the influx of vulnerable, displaced people as an opportunity to recruit new people to exploit.

"Refugees who have been made homeless will be particularly vulnerable to gangs offering them a place to stay before forcing them into modern slavery".

Ms Agnew added:

“The government must improve checks on potential hosts and ensure woman and children are not placed in danger. Experts have questioned the wisdom of placing women with single male hosts given reports of predatory behaviour. A review of this policy is needed.

“Ministers also need to work with social media platforms to curb unofficial groups designed to match up refugees with hosts. Some groups are undoubtedly benign, but others are not and the way they work creates opportunities for exploitation.

"Mistakes have been made, and cannot be reversed. The most important thing the government can do now is ensure that more mistakes are not made in future. We cannot allow the double injustice of letting down those we have pledged to help."