Beyond Sanctuary: Building the Future of Ukrainians in the UK

This policy brief examines the socio-economic participation of and challenges faced by Ukrainians residing in the UK under Ukraine Scheme visas (including Ukraine Permission Extension, UPE). As of March 2026, there are over 180,000 people who arrived under the Homes for Ukraine scheme in the UK, including 38,400 under 18 years of age.[1] This brief draws on a survey of 5454 displaced Ukrainians in the UK conducted in May–June 2026, 18 expert interviews, and discussions within the Ukraine Policy Network (UPN) at the University of Birmingham.[2] The work builds on our previous research in this area.[3] A full policy report on these findings will be published in autumn 2026.

Download the full brief here.*

Recommendations

  1. Create a timely and affordable pathway to permanent residence for displaced Ukrainians in the UK. Ensure this is accessible to vulnerable groups.
  2. Include the time spent in the UK on the Ukraine Scheme/UPE visas in qualifying time for any existing route to permanent residence.
  3. Address barriers to further and higher education and apprenticeships for displaced Ukrainians, especially those caused by short-term visa status.
  4. Draw on localised best practice to create national programmes that facilitate access to skilled employment (e.g., mentorship, work experience, English language training).
  5. Work with professional bodies to create fast-track routes for the formal recognition of Ukrainian qualifications, including for health practitioners.
  6. Improve access to affordable and culturally informed mental health care for displaced Ukrainians through increased availability of Ukrainian-speaking services and reducing barriers to professional recognition for qualified Ukrainian mental health practitioners

Key Findings

  • Temporary visa status and lack of pathway to permanent residence impact Ukrainians across all domains
  • Most Ukrainians would like to stay in the UK regardless of the situation in Ukraine
  • Ukrainians demonstrate high levels of employment and educational participation
  • Children face disruption to their education and anxiety about their futures

*Note this is a slightly amended version with added clarification on the employment data.