Anyone offering a room or home will have to show that the accommodation meets living standards and they may also have to undergo criminal record checks.
Britain will pay people to open
their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian assault as the
government moves to deflect anger over its response to the
fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.
The new scheme called “Homes for Ukraine” will let refugees
from the war come to Britain even if they do not have family
ties, the government said on Sunday.
Britain will pay people 350 pounds ($456) a month if they
can offer refugees a spare room or property for a minimum period
of six months.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sought to portray Britain
as helping lead the global response to the Russian attack –
which Moscow calls a “special operation” – but his government
has faced criticism over delays in accepting refugees.
Lawmakers from all the main political parties have attacked
the government’s insistence that Ukrainians seek visas and
biometric tests before arriving in Britain, saying this
prioritised bureaucracy over the welfare of those fleeing wars.
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‘National effort’
Under the new scheme, members of the public, charities,
businesses and community groups should be able to offer
accommodation via a web page by the end of next week, the
government said.
“The UK stands behind Ukraine in their darkest hour and the
British public understand the need to get as many people to
safety as quickly as we can,” Michael Gove, the minister for
housing, said in a statement.
“I urge people across the country to join the national
effort and offer support to our Ukrainian friends. Together we
can give a safe home to those who so desperately need it.”
Anyone offering a room or home will have to show that the
accommodation meets standards and they may have to undergo
criminal record checks.
The number of refugees fleeing Ukraine could rise to more
than 4 million, double the current estimates of about 2 million,
the UN’s Refugee Agency said last week.
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Source: Reuters
UK to pay Brits $450 to host Ukrainian refugees at their homes
Source: Pinay Pop Showbiz
