UK's shift in stance towards accepting Ukrainian asylum seekers
In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many Ukrainian nationals have sought refuge in the United Kingdom. Here, we delve into the current status of these refugees regarding asylum and indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Ukrainian refugees primarily enter the UK through specific humanitarian routes such as the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, which offer visas rather than triggering standard asylum procedures. However, they can also apply for asylum in the UK, following a similar process to other refugees.
If granted asylum, individuals receive permission to stay for five years, after which they can apply for ILR free of charge. During this initial period, asylum seekers, including Ukrainians, are generally not allowed to work and have limited access to benefits. Support includes accommodation and a weekly allowance, which was around £49.18 per week in 2025.
It's worth noting that the UK government has reduced the number of visas and extensions under the Ukraine-specific schemes in recent times, leading to a 33% reduction in humanitarian route grants, including for Ukrainians. This has left many refugees in a state of uncertainty.
Moreover, the asylum system remains backlogged, with over 100,000 people awaiting initial decisions by early 2025, and a large appeals backlog. This affects all asylum seekers, including Ukrainians.
One such refugee is Tetiana, a Ukrainian living in West Sussex, who faces uncertainty over her visa that allows her to remain in the UK. Many Ukrainian refugees lack ILR, which would provide them with lasting security and enable them to plan for the future.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the UK government, along with other nations, has provided significant support to Ukraine. Great Britain has provided Ukraine with more than £10 billion in military support and is expected to provide an additional £4.5 billion this year. In April 2022, Boris Johnson visited Kyiv and promised support for Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia.
Approximately 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have moved to the UK since the invasion, but the fate of many remains uncertain due to the complexities of the asylum process and the current backlog. The UK government continues to review and adjust its policies to better support these refugees during this challenging time.
[1] UK Government - Asylum in the UK [2] Refugee Council - Asylum in the UK [3] UK Government - Ukraine-specific routes [4] Refugee Council - Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme
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