Select a region
The Government has pledged £250,000 to help Ukrainian refugees with local family members with the costs of applying for a visa and temporary accommodation if needed.
According to latest guidance, children, parents, grandparents, siblings and their spouses, and nieces and nephews are all eligible to come to Jersey. Rules have not been widened to include aunts and uncles, however.
More than a dozen individuals have been assessed as eligible to seek refuge in Jersey to date.
The Government said a team dedicated to helping Ukrainian nationals with Jersey links had been established, and it is currently working on developing support services for those who meet the visa criteria.
Treasury Minister Deputy Susie Pinel signed off what was described as an "initial" £250,000 funding on Friday.
It comes after some Jersey residents with Ukrainian families told Express that they wanted to bring their families to safety with them, but may struggle with some of the costs of supporting them.
The Government’s quarter-of-a-million to help those on-island comes in addition to a £1m ‘kickstart’ donation to the Bailiff’s Ukraine appeal to deliver support in the country, and £360,000 from Jersey Overseas Aid to be split between three frontline agencies working to help Ukrainian civilians.
“In addition to the £1m contribution to Jersey Overseas Aid, alongside the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal, we want to make sure we have money available in case it is needed to support Ukrainians who may be able to come to Jersey,” Deputy Pinel said.
“We are committed to supporting these individuals and families during this humanitarian emergency. This funding ensures we can respond swiftly and without delay to this rapidly changing situation.”
Islanders can donate to the Bailiff's fund, which aims to coordinate all island donations and send them to where they are most needed.
Side by Side is also establishing an online giving platform, which will be live in the next few days.
Find out how to donate HERE.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.