Jersey welcomes first Ukrainian refugees

Monday 14 March 2022

The first refugees from the war in Ukraine have now arrived in Jersey, and Ministers say they are working out how to meet their housing, schooling and employment needs.

It's not yet been confirmed how many refugees have so far come to Jersey, but the Government has released a statement saying the current priority,"...is to make sure that those refugees arriving to reunite with families are welcomed and have access to everything they need."

In the UK the government there has launched a 'Homes for Ukraine' website for those wanting to register to host a refugee, with 1,500 signing up within an hour. Each household housing a refugee will be offered £350 a month, tax free.

In Jersey, last week Islanders were asked to come forward if they could house a refugee family by emailing externalrelations@gov.je.

Currently, family members including parents, children, siblings, and their spouses and children of Ukrainian nationals living in Jersey are able to apply for a visa to seek refuge in the island.

The Government said more than a dozen individuals had been assessed as eligible to seek refuge so far and announced that it was pledging £250,000 to help with the costs of applying for a visa and temporary accommodation if needed. 

Pictured: Jersey's community has responded to the way in Ukraine with donations of supplies and money.

In a statement released on Monday night, the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré said ministers were meeting to decide how to look after refugees who stayed in the island for longer.

“Ukrainian refugees have already arrived via the Family Visa Scheme and have been successfully reunited with families here in the Island.

“Following the UK Government’s latest changes to its immigration policy, the Government of Jersey is determining the most appropriate future policy for the Island and the Council of Ministers will meet again this evening.

“The Government of Jersey’s current priority is to make sure that those refugees arriving to reunite with families are welcomed and have access to everything they need. Should they be here for years to come, proper independent housing, schooling and employment needs to be found so they can settle properly into Island life.  

“Officers are further scoping the full and practical implications of sustainably integrating a greater number of refugees.”

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