Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that effective protection from (a) abuse and (b) exploitation is provided to Ukrainian refugees in the UK (i) before and (ii) after their arrival; and if she will make a statement.

Sponsors and all adults in sponsor households will be subject to standard security and criminality checks by the Home Office before visas are granted. Accommodation and DBS checks are also conducted by local authorities and this includes enhanced DBS checks where appropriate.

People from Ukraine arriving in the UK are signposted to a Welcome Pack which provides advice on settling in the UK, including who to contact if they encounter any issues such as child safety concerns, domestic abuse, modern slavery and exploitation. The guide is available in English, Ukrainian and Russian via www.gov.uk/government/publications/welcome-a-guide-for-ukrainians-arriving-in-the-uk.

In England, Councils must also make at least one in-person visit shortly after a guest has arrived to confirm that the guest is safe and well and that there are no serious health and safety or welfare concerns. Councils have a statutory duty to promote the welfare of adults and children at risk and reserve the right to check in on guests and inspect accommodation once they have arrived.

Detailed information regarding safeguarding including information around exploitation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-guidance-for-councils and here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions.