More Ukrainians Eligible For Guernsey Visas

Wednesday, 2 March 2022 07:14

Parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings of Ukrainian islanders living in Guernsey are now eligible to apply for a visa to join them here.

British Home Secretary Priti Patel has widened the UK visa eligibility criteria to allow more people from Ukraine with family ties to Britain to seek refuge with them as they flee the ongoing war in their own country.

The States of Guernsey announced on Monday (28 February) that Ukrainians escaping the conflict can now apply for a free visa to get to their immediate family living in the bailiwick.

That has not been broadened to 'extended family members'.

Guernsey Border Agency says it has aligned with the developing immigration policy as a result of the conflict in Ukraine and that policy is 'rapidly developing.

The GBA says further announcements are likely to be made in the coming days.

Ukrainian nationals can apply for a free visa at one of the application posts that have been urgently set up in neighbouring countries and Guernsey's authorities are working with the UK to make sure applications are processed quickly.

"The island is there to support them. I understand that a lot of them want to stay closer to Ukraine, which is understandable, but we are supportive and if they want to travel that much further, we will provide shelter.

I think Guernsey knows all too well from past experience what it's like to be occupied. We can sympathise with the Ukrainian. Obviously we take our lead from the UK Home Office, but we are 100% supportive." - Deputy Simon Vermuelen, Vice President of Home Affairs