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Ukrainian Visa Applications 'Being Prioritised'

Jersey's Deputy Chief Minister says the government has received a small number of visa applications from Ukrainian refugees, which are being prioritised.

Parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings of Ukrainian islanders living in Jersey are now eligible to apply for a visa to join them here.

Senator Lyndon Farnham adds that visas are being issued under the family visa scheme, which will allow people to work in the island.

"Families seeking refuge from the conflict in Ukraine by entering Jersey on the relevant visa will be offered support and services on a case-by-case basis depending on their needs.

The Government of Jersey is seeking to accommodate Ukrainian families when they arrive in the Island and is working with the Parishes and housing providers to source accommodation. We are also asking Islanders to provide details of suitable accommodation they might have for families by emailing externalrelations@gov.je."

Up to £250,000 has been made available to help any Ukrainian nationals who are eligible to come to Jersey.

The government says it can cover costs such as visa applications, transport to Jersey, and temporary accommodation for people who can't live with relatives.

Deputy Gregory Guida has since confirmed that five visa applications have been granted so far for Ukrainian nationals to come to Jersey, with more to follow.

"As soon as we get an application, we approve it, so it's very very quick from our side.

They are British visas, they are applied for in Great Britain, so we need to receive the paperwork before we can approve it.

But as soon as we get it, we do it."

The government pledged £1million last week to kickstart the island's Ukraine appeal.

Islanders can help by donating via the Bailiff's Ukraine Fund.

Around 760 visas have been granted in the UK so far.

The UK government has announced that it will open a 'pop up' office in Lille in France to help process visa applications from Ukrainian refugees.

That has been criticised though, because the centre will be more than 70 miles from Calais.

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