Ukraine Welcome Hub: FAQs for Landlords and Employers
Employers FAQs
ONS data on the Ukraine Humanitarian Schemes shows that 52% of adults on the schemes are now working in the UK with a further 26% actively seeking employment. While lower than the 77% who were working while in Ukraine, this indicates a healthy appetite for employment opportunities. This supported by additional data showing that over half of adults employed are working in a different sector than they worked in while in Ukraine, demonstrating that Ukrainians are eager to enter the employment market in a range of roles.
Note: the above data is ‘experimental’ and is weighted to represent the adult Ukrainian population in the UK from answers provided by people who arrived in the UK from 1 March 2022 to 26 April 2023, or adults who arrived before these dates if they are on the Ukraine Extension visa scheme.
What are the Ukraine Scheme visas?
Ukrainians, and their immediate and extended family, are able to come to and remain in the UK via three routes: the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship, and the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
All three routes allow Ukrainians to stay in the UK for up to three years and provide the right to live, work and study in the UK. Importantly, this means that you are able to employ individuals on any of the Ukraine Scheme visas.
How do I get help regarding right to work checks?
You can read the employer’s guidance on right to work checks for additional help.
You can also contact the Home Office Employer Enquiry Helpline on 0300 790 6268 (Mon-Thur, 9am to 4:45pm and Friday, 9am to 4:40pm).
How do Ukrainian qualifications compare to UK qualifications?
UK ENIC (European Network of Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills) can provide a statement of comparability if you require evidence regarding level of qualifications.
It will cost the applicant £49.50+VAT to complete this process, so it is important to consider whether is it a regulatory requirement to have the qualifications proved in this manner.
Can I offer work specifically to people arriving on the Ukraine Schemes?
If you are able, and want to offer work to people arriving from Ukraine, you are able to register your offer with the UK Government where it will be shared with Jobcentre Plus and the Refugee Employment Network.
You could also let other job boards which are focusing on the employment of displaced Ukrainians, such as United For Ukraine, know that you are looking to fill a role.
How do I check the right to work of a Ukraine Scheme visa holder?
Employers are able to check Ukraine Scheme visa holders right to work in the usual manner by verifying physical documents or checking immigration status online with a ‘share code.’
Individuals on the Ukrainian Scheme who completed their biometrics in-person at a VAC or within the UK will have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This is a physical card which allows them to use Home Office online services to generate a ‘share code.’
Individuals who completed their visa applications via the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app are able to use their UK Visas and Immigration account to sign into the View and Prove service where they can access their eVisa. Here, they can generate their own ‘share code’ to prove their right to work. They will also be issued with a BRP.
If Ukrainian individuals need help accessing or using the right to work online checking services, they can contact the UK Visas and Immigration Resolution Centre for direct telephone and email support.
Landlord FAQs
Do Ukrainians on the Ukraine Schemes have a right to rent in England?
Yes, Ukrainian guests have the right to rent for the duration of their right to be in the UK. The schemes provide 3-years limited leave to remain.
Their tenancy cannot extend beyond this limited leave to remain. This means you must take into account when their leave began when you offer a tenancy.
How do I check the right to rent for those on the Ukraine Scheme visas?
The government requires you to check the right to rent for all over-18s who will be renting your residential property.
Ukrainians on the Ukraine Scheme visas will have Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) which show their limited leave to remain in the UK.
If they used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to apply for their visa, they will be able to generate a ‘share code’ online as well as having a physical BRP card.
Follow government guidance on checking your tenant’s right to rent.