Guernsey launches £349 per month sponsorship scheme for Ukrainian refugees

Thursday 25 August 2022

People in Guernsey who take in Ukrainian refugees will now benefit from a paid sponsorship scheme of £349 per month, for a maximum of 12 months.

The sponsorship scheme has been agreed between the Policy & Resources Committee and the Committee for Home Affairs.

"The new payment is intended to assist sponsor households in meeting the additional financial costs that will be incurred as a result of accommodating Ukrainian beneficiaries, and is in line with similar schemes in the UK and the Isle of Man," said a spokesperson for the States.

The support will be paid through the Committee for Employment & Social Security's income support scheme.

The President of Home Affairs, Deputy Rob Prow, said: "Today, August 24th, marks Ukraine's Independence Day, and with that in mind, we are pleased to have received support from P&R for us to now provide financial assistance for islanders partaking in the sponsorship scheme."

Pictured: "This move puts us in line with the similar schemes in the UK and the Isle of Man and will hopefully allow us to offer more accommodation for potential refugees from Ukraine," said Deputy Prow.

Deputy Prow said the "indefensible" Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to make it essential that we support the "Ukrainian cause".

He said it's important that we don't become complacent when dealing with this humanitarian crisis: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank those individuals within the community who have already become an approved sponsor."

16 Ukrainians have already settled in Guernsey and there are 28 sponsors signed up to the government scheme.

Home Affairs hopes that this financial assist will encourage other sponsors to come forward and help.