UK adopts controversial new reception scheme for Ukrainian refugees
The Elizabeth Tower, which contains the bell known as Big Ben, during a demonstration in support of Ukraine in Parliament Square, London, on Sunday March 6, 2022. AP - Alberto Pezzali
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
More than 20,000 Britons have already volunteered to welcome Ukrainians into their homes.
A few hours after the publication of the new program of “
sponsorship
” of the government, which will pay 400 euros per month to “
foster families.
The government does not limit the number of Ukrainians who can be accommodated in this way.
But the program met with a rather cool welcome from the associations.
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With our correspondent in London,
Emeline Vin
With this second scheme,
Ukrainians no longer need to already have a family member in the UK
.
But those who can prove a "
connection
" to the country will be given preference.
“
The only ones who have the prospect of a safe route to the UK are those who already have a connection or have the means to establish a social connection to secure the support of a sponsor,
remarks Louise Calvey, from the
Refugee Action
association , interviewed by the
BBC. Will this program really reach the most vulnerable, those who need it the most?
»
Ukrainian migrants will be able to file their applications online at the end of the week.
Lisa Nandy, of the Labor Party, would have liked less red tape for these candidates for exile.
►Also read: Volodymyr Zelensky implores the British Parliament to help Ukraine against Russia
“
They will still have to complete the current visa application form, 50 pages long, to be completed online.
So people fleeing the war are asked to find a cybercafé, to download documents they don't have
:
water bills, electricity bills… To prove who they are.
We are behind the generosity of other countries
, ”denounces this member of the opposition.
The government expects to welcome "
tens of thousands
" of Ukrainians.
Only 4,000 have so far received a visa.
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