Around 300 Ukrainian residents who sought refuge in Swindon following the outbreak of war in their homeland will receive support from Swindon Borough Council to extend their visas in the coming months.
Following a recent Government announcement, Ukrainian nationals who arrived in the UK due to the conflict will be able to apply for an extension under the Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE) visa scheme. Applications open from tomorrow (4th February), and the Council’s Warm Welcome team will be reaching out to eligible residents to assist with the process.
These extensions will grant an additional 18 months of stay in the UK. However, applications must be submitted within a 28-day window before the expiry of the current visa. The Warm Welcome Team will be on hand to provide guidance and support to those navigating the application process.
Currently, 172 Ukrainians have settled independently in Swindon, while 112 remain in accommodation provided by host families under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The Council will be contacting all those eligible to ensure they can continue to reside in the town without disruption.
Since the conflict began, the Warm Welcome team has played a crucial role in supporting Ukrainian arrivals. Each individual is assigned a caseworker, offering one-to-one assistance in adjusting to life in Swindon, securing employment, and accessing essential services.
For those still living with host families, ‘Thank You’ payments will continue following a visa extension. However, from April 2025, these payments will be reduced from £500 to £350 per month.
Jess Squire, Warm Welcome Team Manager at Swindon Borough Council, reassured Ukrainian residents that help is available: “For those from Ukraine needing to extend their visa, we are here to support them. Our dedicated team will assist residents and host families with any challenges during this process. It’s important that eligible residents contact their allocated caseworker or email warmwelcome@swindon.gov.uk as soon as they are eligible to apply.”
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, highlighted the town’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment: “The work of our Warm Welcome team continues to support the Council’s mission to build a fairer Swindon. If you are looking to stay with us here in Swindon for an additional 18 months, or are hosting someone who wishes to, please take advantage of their support.
“Initially set up in 2021 to assist asylum seekers from Afghanistan, the Warm Welcome team has grown into a vital resource. They work with statutory and voluntary organisations to help individuals and families settle in, offering advice, emotional support, and practical guidance. Throughout the visa extension process, they will continue to provide essential assistance to ensure residents find the best possible options for their needs.
“I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this important work, particularly the host families who have opened their homes. Swindon has shown itself to be a place of compassion, with residents demonstrating generosity in supporting those in need.”
Eligible residents are encouraged to apply for their visa extension via: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-stay-in-the-uk-under-the-ukraine-extension-scheme.
