Vigil For Ukraine

A candlelit vigil to show solidarity with Ukraine will be held in Jersey's Royal Square on Friday (4 March).

The Royal Court and States Building will be lit in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian Flag.

The vigil will start at 6pm.  The Dean will lead prayers and there will be a minute's silence, marked by the ringing of the Town Church bells.

The Bailiff, Tim Le Cocq will make a short address. 

“This vigil will give us all the opportunity to gather as a community to reflect on the events taking place in Ukraine. War is always a terrible thing and this invasion by Russia of a sovereign democracy has already inflicted great suffering on the Ukrainian people. We can only admire their courage and resolve and do what we can to help.

“We stand together today to say that there is no room for such aggression in the modern world.”

Meanwhile, Jersey's government says it is looking at what further concessions and support it can offer Ukrainians wishing to come to the island.

It's already aligned with UK immigration controls in response to the war so that immediate family of British nationals can join their relatives here.

Within 24 hours of Friday's announcement ten Ukrainian islanders had made requests to relocate family members to the island.

In a statement issued late on Monday (28 February), Ministers say there will be an update shortly.

"The Government of Jersey fully recognises the distress that many Ukrainians are experiencing on having to leave Ukraine, and is offering ongoing advice to those who have contacted both External Relations and Jersey Customs & Immigration Service.

The Government of Jersey is in close communication with UK authorities in the Home Office and has put in place concessions, aligned to those in the UK, to help Ukrainians who intend to come to Jersey.  As a Crown Dependency, the Island aligns its immigration controls with those of the UK, on the basis that anyone granted entry to Jersey can travel freely to the UK and vice versa. 

Careful consideration is being given to any potential further concessions to assist Ukrainians wishing to come to Jersey, including the need for wider support. We anticipate being able to issue a further update on this shortly.

External Relations is in direct communication with all those who have contacted the helpdesk, and will ensure all individuals are updated on the latest information as soon as changes occur.

Commercial aircraft movements from Poland and other European countries to the UK are operating as normal. Anyone who needs advice concerning Ukrainian relatives who wish to come to Jersey should continue to email externalrelations@gov.je."  - the Ministers for Home Affairs & External Relations.