Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will allow Ukrainians resident in the UK to apply for (a) working and (b) global talent visas.

The UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families under the Ukraine Schemes, thanks to the immense generosity of the British public. We are determined to continue to provide stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and who still need our sanctuary.

The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.

We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.

This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application. This applies to holders of Ukraine Scheme permission regardless of nationality. There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.

Registration or naturalisation as a British citizen is available to a Ukrainian national in the same way as other nationals, if they meet the statutory requirements.

Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, including work and global talent visas.

We continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under review in line with the ongoing conflict.