Ukraine: Figures show over 50 refugees now live in Borders

The latest figures from the Government show that 55 Ukrainians have arrived in the Borders via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

But more people will be arriving in the region as through the scheme 86 visas have been issued for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine to be housed in the Borders.

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According to the figures 97 people have applied to come to the Borders from Ukraine.

Borders MP John Lamont said: “More than 50 Ukrainians have now been given refuge here in the Scottish Borders.

"There are dozens more on the way.

"This is something we can be really proud of as an area."

50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK & we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here.

With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching – we #StandWithUkraine. 4/4

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 19, 2022

These figures, however, do not include people who have applied for refuge through the Ukraine Family Scheme, so this figure will be higher than recorded.

The Homes fir Ukraine scheme asks Borderers to sponsor Ukrainians to live with them in their homes.

According to figures, more than 100,000 visas have been issued and 54,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK so far.

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Mr Lamont, who is the Conservative members for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, added: “I have been working closely with local people and Ukrainian families to ensure they can secure safe passage to the UK.

"There are some issues with bureaucracy and myself and my team have been working every day with the Home Office to iron these out and expedite cases where the people are in a vulnerable situation.

“Well more than 50,000 Ukrainians have now come to the UK through these routes offered by the UK Government, with tens of thousands on their way.

“The support shown to Ukraine by the UK and its citizens is second to none. From supporting refugees, to providing military weapons, and sanctioning billions of pounds of Russian assets, we are standing up against the horrific actions of Putin.”