Friday 28 October 2022
The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme has so far led to four beneficiaries being matched with approved sponsors.
Matching two further Ukrainian nationals with approved sponsors is currently in progress, and a further eight sponsors have been approved and are awaiting confirmation of matches.
There are currently 16 Ukrainian nationals who have arrived in the Bailiwick under either the family scheme or the sponsorship scheme, with two more due to arrive shortly.
A process has been established to match potential beneficiaries to an approved sponsor. This is facilitated through a government not-for-profit organisation established in Prague called the British Homes for Ukrainian Refugees Prague. The States' Ukraine Coordination Support Team and the local charity, Humanitarian Aid Guernsey, have entered into a Partnership Agreement and continue to work closely together to ensure the success of the scheme.
Deputy Rob Prow, President of the Committee for Home Affairs, said:
'A great deal of work has gone in to working with potential sponsors and guiding them through the necessary checks and balances before they can become approved sponsors. This includes home visits, DBS checks, ensuring there is a clear understanding of the scheme and expectations. We so far have 14 approved sponsors, six of whom are either matched with beneficiaries or are in the process of being matched. Our team also supports with the visa application process and ensures arrivals receive a welcome to Guernsey pack and on-going support. It is a big undertaking but we're delighted to have been able to make a difference to people fleeing an unimaginably awful situation in Ukraine.'
The Ukraine Coordination Support Team can be contacted via 220001, option 3. Alternatively, please email ukraine@gov.gg.
The policy for the Bailiwick of Guernsey Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme can be read at www.gov.gg/ukraineresponse
