UK Extends Support Program for Ukrainians by Two More Years

The British government has announced it will extend its Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) for an additional two years.

The Gaze reports this, referring to a statement made by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

She told lawmakers in the House of Commons that the program would be prolonged by 24 months. 

“We will continue to do our bit to support Ukraine – extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme by a further 24 months, with further details to be set out in due course,” she said.

Cooper stressed that the policy is part of a broader tradition of offering refuge to people escaping war and oppression. 

She cited support for families from Ukraine, Syria, and Hong Kong as evidence that Britain remains committed to assisting those fleeing persecution and conflict.

The Ukraine Permission Extension is a Home Office program that allows Ukrainian nationals and their families, who already hold status under one of the visa schemes – Homes for Ukraine (Sponsorship Scheme), Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme, or permission to remain outside immigration control, to extend their legal stay in the UK for up to 18 months.

Applications are free of charge and preserve all the rights granted under the original schemes, including the ability to work, rent housing, access welfare benefits, healthcare, and education. 

The process is completed online within 28 days before the current permission expires. Updated status is issued through the UK’s eVisa system, and applicants may be asked to provide biometric data.

Launched in 2022 for three years, the scheme was first extended by 18 months and has now been prolonged again by two years.

As The Gaze previously reported, the UK recently confirmed that its Operation Interflex training mission for Ukrainian troops will continue until the end of 2026.