Written statement: Further extension of the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme - Feb 24

Minister for Migration and Citizenship (Mike Tapp): The Government remains steadfast in its support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion. From the outset of the conflict, the Government has acted decisively and compassionately, offering sanctuary to over 310,000 Ukrainians through the Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and Ukraine Extension Scheme (the “Ukraine Schemes”). This response reflects not only the generosity and solidarity of the British public in providing sanctuary to those in need, but also the Government's enduring commitment to international humanitarian principles and to standing with our allies in defence of freedom and democracy - an approach firmly aligned with the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, which sets out our long-term alliance and shared values across defence, education, and cultural exchange.

Local authorities and civil society organisations have played a vital role in delivering this support, helping to ensure that Ukrainians arriving in the UK are welcomed and able to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.

This Government has continued to honour its commitment to providing sanctuary for those displaced by Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Building on the success of the Ukraine Schemes, the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme was introduced to offer eligible individuals the opportunity to apply for a further 18 months' permission to stay in the UK.

The Government has listened to concerns raised by the Ukrainian community in the UK. To ensure continued stability and certainty for Ukrainians in the UK, it was announced that the UPE scheme will be extended by an additional 24 months. This means that individuals may benefit from a maximum of 3.5 years' permission under UPE, in addition to any time already provided under the Ukraine Schemes. This extension reaffirms the UK's enduring commitment to supporting Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members.

This extension will remain fee-free, and those granted permission to remain under UPE will continue to be able to access work, benefits, healthcare, and education.

Processing under the UPE Scheme continues to operate efficiently, with the vast majority of applications concluded well within the service level agreement. This reflects the strong performance of the system and the commitment to providing timely decisions for those seeking support.

The Government will also expand the application window. Ukrainians will now be able to apply for the extension within the final 90 days of their current UPE permission, a significant increase from the current 28-day period. This change reflects the feedback we have had from applicants and is designed to provide greater flexibility and assurance, allowing applicants to secure their future in the UK with confidence and ease.

Application

To qualify, applicants must:

• currently hold permission under UPE;
• be physically present in the UK (or Islands) at the date of application;
• have been living in the UK (or Islands) since being granted permission under the Ukraine Schemes, including the UPE. Temporary periods spent outside the UK - defined as absences of no more than 12 months, whether continuous or cumulative - will not count as time outside the UK for the purposes of this requirement.

Applications for the UPE extension must be submitted online. It is essential for UPE holders to apply for the extension before the original UPE permission expires. Not doing so will result in the loss of rights to work and access to benefits, healthcare, and housing. Crucially, it means a former UPE holder will no longer hold valid immigration status and will be in the UK illegally. To avoid this scenario, the Government is taking proactive steps, including targeted communications and is working closely with non-government organisations and community organisations, such as the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, to ensure applicants are fully informed and supported throughout the process.

Safeguarding and Children's Applications

Children must continue to have adequate care and accommodation arrangements in place. Where a child is not residing with a parent, parental consent will be sought to confirm the child's living situation. If, on receipt of a UPE application, there is a reason to be concerned about a child, a referral will be made by the Home Office to the local authority where the child is resident.

Where a child is resident in the UK having been granted permission under the Ukraine Scheme alongside a parent or legal guardian who also holds Ukraine Scheme permission, the child's permission under any UPE extension will be aligned with that of their parent or legal guardian. This alignment supports the best interests of the child.

Children born in the UK to a Ukrainian national parent with permission under the Ukraine Schemes will continue to be eligible to apply for UPE.

Temporary sanctuary

The Government has always been clear that permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes - including UPE - does not count towards settlement in the UK. Equally, time spent in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes does not count towards the continuous lawful residence requirement under the Long Residence route. This position remains unchanged and reflects the Ukrainian Government's strong desire for its citizens to return when it is safe to do so, in order to contribute to the rebuilding of their country.

It is also important to recognise the broader implications of long-term displacement. A balanced demographic is essential for Ukraine's recovery and future stability. The return of its citizens will play a vital role in restoring communities, revitalising the economy, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ukrainian society.

Future Policy Direction
The Government recognises the importance of providing long-term certainty for Ukrainians living in the UK. We are committed to setting out the future arrangements clearly, and a further statement outlining the long-term position will be issued later this year. This will set out the Government's approach beyond the extension of the UPE scheme, ensuring that displaced Ukrainians in the UK are supported in rebuilding their lives.

In shaping this approach, the Government will continue to engage with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and other community representatives to ensure that policy reflects the lived experiences and concerns of Ukrainians in the UK.

The Government remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and we will continue to work across departments to deliver a compassionate and coherent response to those affected by the conflict.