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The UK government will ask the British public to take Ukrainian refugees into their homes, it has been revealed.
With millions having had to flee their homes following Russia’s invasion last month, pressure has been building on the UK to take in as many people as it can.
Critics have claimed that progress has been slow, urging the government to drop its visa policy so that people can get here quicker.
And according to reports, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove will set out on Monday (14 March) plans for a ‘sponsored’ route, which will allow Ukrainians without family ties to the UK to enter the country.
Speaking about the plans on Sky News, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “On Monday, you’ll get from the Levelling Up Secretary, you’ll get the programme that will allow people to come in, so (if) people want to welcome (refugees) into their own homes, they can do so.”
Reports in the Daily Telegraph said a new hotline and a website are being set up, which will allow individuals, charities, businesses and community groups to take in those in need.
Government officials will vet each of the the groups and then match them up with the individuals.
Those who use the scheme will be allowed to stay for a year and will have the right to work and claim benefits.
A Government spokesman told the publication that details were being worked on “at pace”.
They said: “The routes we have put in place follow extensive engagement with Ukrainian partners.
“This is a rapidly moving and complex picture and as the situation develops we will continue to keep our support under constant review.”
The Home Secretary Priti Patel has come in for a great deal of criticism over her handling of the refugee crisis – the biggest in Europe since the Second World War – which has seen over two million people flee Ukraine so far.
Critics have branded the UK’s response to the crisis as being slow and ineffective when compared to other nations who have taken in hundreds of thousands of people.
Yesterday (10 March), she announced that Ukrainians with passports would be able to apply for a visa remotely.
They will then have to wait to be told that they can travel.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Patel said: “The home secretary said: “In short, Ukrainians with passports will be able to get permission to come here fully online from wherever they are, and will be able to give their biometrics once in Britain.
“This will mean that visa application centres across Europe can focus their efforts on helping Ukrainians without passports.”
“This streamlined approach will be operational as of Tuesday 15 March, in order to make the relevant technology and IT changes.”
