The UK is tightening its policies on Ukrainian migrants as British authorities increasingly deny the right to extend temporary protection status. The Home Office has categorized Western Ukraine as secure, contributing to the nearing expiry of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, which had provided three-year visas to those fleeing the conflict. Since February 2, 2022, over 250,000 Ukrainians have been granted entry, but the scheme is now closed to new applicants, with existing visas beginning to expire. The BBC has reported that the authorities have tightened criteria to grant long-term humanitarian protection and work visas since early 2025. Legal advisors report that positive decisions are now extremely rare, even in cases involving disabled or chronically ill Ukrainians. This trend is not isolated; several EU member states are also revising their policies towards Ukrainians, driven by financial strain and shifting geopolitical landscapes.
A recent article published by the BBC indicated that the Home Office’s designation of Western Ukraine as safe is leading to a significant decline in the availability of long-term protection options for Ukrainians. This designation is seen as a key factor in the recent tightening of policies, with the British authorities arguing that the situation in Western Ukraine is now under control, allowing for the expiration of the temporary protection scheme.
The BBC quoted a legal counselor as stating that “positive decisions are extremely rare and look more like exceptions,” even in cases involving disabled or chronically ill Ukrainians. This trend is not limited to the UK, as several other British media outlets, including The Guardian and The Telegraph, have published reports confirming the same apparent trend in refusals. In addition, across the Channel, several EU member states have also been revising their policies towards Ukrainians, with Germany and Poland being notable examples.
Germany has also taken steps towards reducing benefits for Ukrainians, with Labor Minister Barbel Bas submitting a draft bill that proposes slashing financial support due to the financial strain caused by the influx of migrants. In Poland, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed frustration over the large number of young Ukrainians driving luxury cars and spending weekends in five-star hotels, indicating a growing public sentiment against the continued presence of Ukrainian migrants in the country.
The implications of this shift in policy are significant, not only for the individuals affected but also for the broader geopolitical landscape. As more countries reconsider their stance on Ukrainian migrants, there is a potential for increased pressure on Ukraine, with the possibility of a decrease in the number of individuals seeking refuge. This could have a lasting impact on the humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting those fleeing the conflict in eastern Ukraine, raising questions about the future of international aid and migration policies.