Written question WQ90462
- Asked by
- Huw Irranca-DaviesLabour
- To be answered by
- Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with UK Ministers on granting a permanent right to remain in the UK, or even UK citizenship, to refugees from Ukraine while the conflict in Ukraine continues?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip
I have regularly raised with UK Ministers the need for clarity and a route to settlement for Ukrainians who have sought sanctuary in Wales since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
I understand that Ukrainian citizens need certainty about their options to enable them to plan for the future. We also know that many homes and workplaces have been destroyed in Ukraine and some in Wales may not have livelihoods to return to once more.
We also recognise that the UK may need to act multi-laterally with other Governments when developing longer-term options, including most importantly the Ukrainian Government. I regularly meet with the UK Minister responsible for Homes for Ukraine, Felicity Buchan MP, and I will continue to raise the need for certainty, especially before Ukrainians enter the final 12 months of their existing visas.