Thousands of Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion and arrived in the UK are being denied asylum. The Home Office says it is “safe to return” to Ukraine or relocate elsewhere in the country, even when many come from active war zones.
Families want to settle in the UK to give their children education, find jobs, and rebuild their lives, but asylum refusals are causing anxiety and uncertainty.
Law firm Sterling Law reports they hear weekly from Ukrainians, including vulnerable women and children, whose applications are rejected. The firm is working on appeals that can take months, leaving applicants in limbo.
While Ukrainians can stay in the UK for 18 months on temporary visas, this does not guarantee long-term security, forcing many to live with ongoing fear about their future.
Some refugees say the idea they can safely relocate within Ukraine ignores the reality of destroyed towns and ongoing violence.
Experts and advocates urge the UK government to reconsider its approach, speed up asylum processes, and offer permanent settlement options to those fleeing war.