Current Immigration concessions to Ukrainian nationals as of 28th February 2022

This is a brief summary of the Home Office’s various concessions and policies towards Ukrainian nationals as of the 28th February 2022.

The UK Government has permitted Ukrainian nationals who are here temporarily in the United Kingdom to switch to other categories under the Immigration Rules and will waive the requirements for certain types of documentary evidence.

The concessions are set out as follows:

Family members of British Citizens. ( outside the UK )

Family members of British Citizens who are able to reach a UK Visa Application Centre either in Livi or in the neighbouring countries of Poland, Romania , Hungary and Moldova , may apply for a family visa for free, and should expect a decision within 24 hours. You should contact UKVI before you make an application.
Telephone: +44 300 3032785 – select option 1 (0300 3032785 if you’re in the UK – select option 1) Lines are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

Applicants will not need to furnish all the documents required. There will be consideration of a grant of permission to stay, if a person does not meet all the requirements of the Rules.

Ukrainians in the United Kingdom.

Extension of Permission for Seasonal Workers /HGV Drivers

Those Seasonal workers who were lawfully in the United Kingdom prior to the 24th February 2022 , ( as well as those with an outstanding visa application ) may have their permission extended to 31st December 2022.

Switching into other Categories of the Immigration rules.

Individuals who are in the United Kingdom with a visitors visa, may switch into the study or work categories and into the categories based on family life in the United kingdom.

Documentary Evidence Concession.

Ukrainian’s who are in the United Kingdom and are applying for Further Leave to Remain under the above routes may not have to furnish all the evidence required to meet their application if there is a” sufficient and reasonable explanation as to why a document cannot be obtained…” such a sufficient and reasonable explanation being that “ an institution is not functioning..”

Note.

The United Kingdom’s obligations to those who are fleeing war, are not limited by these concessions. These concessions may anticipate easing restrictions on certain existing Immigration categories and no more. If you are in fear then you are in need of international protection and you may make a claim for humanitarian status or refugee status accordingly.

At the time of writing the EU is looking to include Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive. The current Immigration Rules appear to grant Temporary Protection to all those covered by this EU Directive.

Whatever the mechanics of the Rules and the Procedures, Ukrainians fleeing invasion have a right to safe haven, and the United Kingdom is under an obligation to so provide to whomever is in need.