Insights into Ukraine Arrivals and Rwanda Offshoring

SECTION 1: UKRAINE ARRIVALS

52% of respondents are responding to the Ukraine crisis (24). Currently most Ukrainians being supported by organisations have entered through the Homes for Ukraine scheme (78%).

Key gaps for Ukrainian arrivals include:

• Limited trauma support
• Lack of joined up services
• Knowledge gaps of hosts about access to services
• Limited legal advice and support
• Lack of information and advice about visa conditions

Key concerns for Ukrainian arrivals include:

• The need for move-on services and support for failed hosting arrangements
• Homelessness and risk of homelessness for those who come in through the Homes for Ukraine scheme
• Lack of safeguarding measures in place and have outlined key recommendations

38% of organisations are supporting Ukrainians who are undocumented. Challenges for this group include: Limited immigration advice; Lack of financial support; Overcrowding in properties; Trauma; Limited information and support on how to apply for the schemes.

Homes for Ukraine Scheme

20% of organisations are involved in the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Key concerns include:

1. Risk of homelessness for Ukrainian arrivals under the scheme (75%) 
2. Delays or complications with issuing of visas (50%)
3. Lack of/unclear communication with Government agencies (50%)
4. Breakdown of relationship between Ukrainians and sponsors post-arrival (50%)
5. Safeguarding concerns (50%)

“The system of matching is not working and people are finding routes around this which creates greater risk of exploitation."

Organisational Impact

45% of organisations stated that responding to the Ukraine crisis is affecting their other services. This includes reduced capacity to support other services and an increased workload.

35% of organisations say their staff have been impacted by the Ukraine crisis; 57% of those are experiencing depression.

Support Needs

Organisations shared the collective support they would like to see offered to the sector in light of the Ukraine crisis. These were grouped into three themes:

1. Funding - More funding available and more flexible, longer term funding principles
2. Home Office & Local Authority Support - Increase capacity for partnerships, information sharing and signposting
3. Organisational Development -Training support for organisations, industry codes of conduct and pay scales, more united campaigns & good practice sharing in the sector

Partnership Development & Networking

70% of organisations said they are connected to their local authority in regards to the Ukraine crisis. Most organisations are relatively satisfied with their LA's performance, some are not.

75% of organisations said they have been able to make new connections and access resources from other organisations. They have done this through:

• Pre established networks (93%)
• Attending sector wide meetings (53%)
• Reaching out on social media (27%)
• Engaging in online Slack channels (20%)

SECTION 2: RWANDA OFFSHORING

53% of organisations reported that their clients are concerned about the Rwanda offshoring plans. Significant fear and anxiety amongst asylum seeking clients is reported, particularly with single men in hotels. Other impacts of this announcement include:

• People seeking asylum going 'underground' and being afraid to seek asylum due to fear of being deported to Rwanda
• Worries amongst people seeking asylum about how this will affect their family members who haven't yet made it to the UK

“Some people in the emergency hotels are absconding. We heard yesterday of an Iranian man being issued with a letter saying he will be sent to Rwanda but he has yet to turn up at our office despite being referred here”

Organisations are trying to respond to this fear and anxiety by producing briefings, reassuring clients, holding workshops and 1:1 sessions and engaging in protests. However 52% of organisations are not at all or not very confident that they will be able to fight deportations and provide legal advice if their clients are affected.

There is a need for more specialist immigration advice, clarity about how to communicate the plans to clients and mass action from sector organisations.