FOURTEEN Ukrainians have arrived in Jersey and 14 others have made visa applications, while up to a further 50 relatives of Islanders, who have inquired about moving to the Island, may be eligible to come, the Chief Minister has revealed.
In a report to States Members about the Island’s response to the ongoing crisis, Senator John Le Fondré said that the Council of Ministers had decided not to adopt the UK’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme, under which individuals can volunteer to accommodate Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK.
The Chief Minister also said that a series of support measures had been put in place to help those Ukrainians now in Jersey.
These measures include a cash payment of £500 per person to cover essentials, JT mobile phone SIM cards with £100 credit and free access to hospital services. All refugees have been granted permission to stay in the Island for three years, and given JY numbers and registered employment status.
Since late February when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, a total of £2 million has been raised in Jersey to support the victims of the war. This sum includes around £500,000 donated by Islanders through the Bailiff’s Appeal.
In his report, Senator Le Fondré said: ‘Jersey has introduced the Ukraine Family Scheme in alignment with the UK. This enables family members of Ukrainian nationals living in Jersey to apply for a visa to seek refuge in the Island. It applies to extended family and their immediate family members.
‘The scope of this scheme has been significantly widened since its initial introduction. We have received visa applications from 28 Ukrainians wishing to come Jersey. To date, 14 Ukrainians have arrived and are staying with their relatives, already in the Island.
‘Up to a further 50 relatives have enquired and would meet visa requirements should they wish to join their relatives in Jersey. Additionally, it is recognised that a number of male relatives, generally of military age, who are currently prohibited from leaving Ukraine, may later wish to join their relatives in Jersey if they are able to do so and would therefore obviously qualify under this scheme.
‘A decision to continue with the Ukraine Family Scheme, and not adopt the UK’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme at this time, but to keep it under review, has been made by the Council of Ministers. This is due to the complexity of the ongoing situation, which requires further consideration.’
He added that the Children and Families Hub was supporting families to find school places and that a ‘number of elements of support are still being finalised, including accommodation provision and financial support’.
The report also revealed that cyber threats had yet been detected but that the government continued to ‘prepare for the possibility that the situation in Ukraine could impact the Island’s cyber security’.
‘The government has also utilised the existing Cyber Emergency Response team – which includes the JFSC and key infrastructure providers – which has been working with businesses to relay advice, best practice and provide emergency response,’ Senator Le Fondré added.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the Island’s ‘commitment to support the people of Ukraine’ by imposing sanctions on Russian oligarchs who are believed to be supporting the Putin regime.
‘Since the new sanctions package against Russia was introduced on 28 March 2022, assets with a value of £259,300,000 have been reported as having been frozen by firms in compliance with their obligations under the Sanctions and Asset-Freezing (Jersey) Law 2019,’ Senator Le Fondré said.
Please donate to the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal and help support the innocent people in Ukraine
