UK reverses visa rule change, allowing Ukrainians to bring children to join them

The UK government’s U-turn offers hope for families torn apart by war, but charities warn many remain separated from other loved ones.

The UK government has reversed its decision to restrict Ukrainians from sponsoring their children under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, allowing parents to bring their children to join them once more.

Last February, a rule change barred Ukrainians without permanent UK residence from sponsoring family members, leaving many families separated.

Over 190,000 people have arrived in the UK under the scheme since its launch in March 2022, but the change forced some to resort to illegal routes to reunite with their children.

Valentyna, a Ukrainian mother, applied for her 12-year-old son to join her in the UK last August but faced delays due to the restrictions.

She spoke to the BBC : “This change gives me hope that we will finally be reunited,” she said.

Charities like Work Rights Centre welcomed the announcement but noted that many Ukrainians remain separated from other family members, including elderly or disabled relatives. The Home Office said it would address pending applications for children caught in limbo.