Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to include the time spent by Ukrainian refugees in the UK since the invasion of Ukraine in the qualifying period necessary to be granted permanent residence.  [13077]

[Due for Answer on 30 June]

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship (Mike Tapp): The Ukraine Schemes were established to provide temporary sanctuary in the UK for Ukrainians and their eligible family members fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. They do not confer refugee status or international protection and are distinct from the asylum system. From the outset, the Government has been clear that the Ukraine Schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route. This reflects the Ukrainian Government’s wishes for His Majesty’s Government to offer temporary sanctuary, due to its strong desire for the eventual return of its citizens to Ukraine once it is safe to do so.

The Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window. The Government is considering the future position drawing on evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. The Government will respond in a responsible and considered manner and intends to make a further statement in due course.