How to check potential Ukrainian refugees

[Where to next?]

I recently registered with a charity to accommodate Ukrainian refugees. I found the details of the charity on one of the Fun threads but can’t find the original discussion so can’t add my questions to the thread.

Following the registration last week, I’ve been contacted today by a couple who would like to take us up on our offer. I’m going to commence discussions with them to find out more about the couple but was just wandering if any other Funsters have also registered and if they’ve had any contact from potential refugees. If so, can you share your experience such as what questions you went through to ensure they met your/the government‘s requirements. I feel awful questioning their authenticity but if we’re going to let strangers into our home when there will be times we’re away in the MH, we need to be as comfortable as we can be that everything is above board and they’re not just opportunists. One concern is that their Facebook and Instagram profiles look like they're enjoying a comfortable life, but of course the photos and posts will have been in the past I.e. before the invasion commenced. Another question is why the 25 year old male (they’re a couple with the partner being 26) is looking to flee the country rather than stay and defend).

Please don’t respond questioning why we’re making the offer but any constructive advice based on your thoughts and experience would be most helpful.

 

[Littlewheels]

I cannot answer your concerns but fully support you in your efforts in ensuring your helping the deserving people that require help. Sadly, already there are low life’s looking for opportunities.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Sounds dodgy to me, as you know young men aren't allowed to leave, be very careful.

 

[Yorick]

I assumed they'd be vetted before you came into contact with them.

 

[Rosemary1]

The photos showing the comfortable life pre war would not concern me. I would see no harm in actually asking if they had/are having any difficulty in living Ukraine because of the males age. I don’t think you can ask too many questions to make sure that you are a good fit for each other as long as they are respectful. Well done you for doing it

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[Tombola]

why the 25 year old male (they’re a couple with the partner being 26)

is this them, I had similar thoughts on recieving this one, and moved on to others like women with children to be honest

 

[rolosroller]

Is he a Ukrainian national was he born in Ukrainian.?

 

[fat haggis]

Unless he is medically exempt from leaving and fighting. I would question that alone the rest is passport’s and vetting results. .

 

[Where to next?]

Thanks all. We’re all on the same wavelength. We want to help but only those who are in genuine need.

Firstly, I don’t know how to respond to specific replies so apologies that this is a ‘catch all’ response (note to self - work out how to use this chat group properly!)

As far as vetting is concerned Yorick, this particular charity link was only to introduce interested parties. The due diligence is down to us.
Tombola - that’s not them although the photos they sent show a young, very much in love, couple. Very similar.
Rosemary1 - totally agree. We’re very giving but won‘t be taken advantage of. I have asked them a number of questions and hence my reason for asking if any of you have first hand experience in screening any applicants.
Everyone else - yes, I’m keen to hear why they/he isn’t defending the cause.

Once again, thanks for your input. Will keep you posted.

 

[Googlebot]

Use the Government route.

As a former Foster carer I can say there are lots of pit falls you need to overcome when allowing strangers into your home.

Ground rules, support network, future planning and moving on, community needs what if they fall pregnant while here, healthcare issues.

You will have to help with all that and more, above all else you need to assure genuine need. Border Force have been inundated with fake applications, charities will be far less rigorous in weeding them out.

I hope it goes well, there is nothing more rewarding and had we not had young kids in our house, we also would have applied.

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[pappajohn]

Is this part of the official UK government scheme?
I didn't realise charities were involved in the gov scheme.
If it isn't part of the scheme I would be running away.
Go through official channels and be safe.
The gov will vet both them and you so there's no need for you to do anything.

 

[Googlebot]

Is this part of the official UK government scheme?
I didn't realise charities were involved in the gov scheme.
If it isn't part of the scheme I would be running away.
Go through official channels and be safe.

I couldn’t agree more.

 

[pappajohn]

I don't see a wedding or engagement ring anywhere.

 

[jockaneezer]

My arsehole brother was round earlier today. He said he'd applied to host Ukranian refugees. He's doing it for all the wrong reasons, he just sees it as "easy money" now that his kids have left home. I hope to God there are things in place to get the householders vetted too ?

 

[Wack]

My arsehole brother was round earlier today. He said he'd applied to host Ukranian refugees. He's doing it for all the wrong reasons, he just sees it as "easy money" now that his kids have left home. I hope to God there are things in place to get the householders vetted too ?

Surely there must be as most will be women with young children , I can't see a money grabbing arsehole being top of the list

I've never met your brother but that's the vibe I'm getting

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[TheBig1]

bless you for wanting to do the decent thing. What would worry me is that any true refugee will be very troubled. This may manifest in many ways including anger and aggression all the way through to deep depression and frantic vivid nightmares caused by PTSD

If you don't go through official channels, I definitely think you will struggle to get the essential support you and your guests will need

I have some experience with this having tried very hard to get ex services friends help for their PTSD. These refugees are really going to struggle. The different language, culture and having lost everything in such circumstances will be very hard to overcome

Back to advice on what to ask, you really need a conversation about what their plan is. Also you need to talk about a release plan, if you don't get on. Being trapped in your own home with people you don't get on with will be a huge challenge and without a contract you can't tell them to leave

 

[Googlebot]

My arsehole brother was round earlier today. He said he'd applied to host Ukranian refugees. He's doing it for all the wrong reasons, he just sees it as "easy money" now that his kids have left home. I hope to God there are things in place to get the householders vetted too ?

It’s only £350 a month, by the time he has helped them fill in the 76th form that week his hourly rate won’t be much.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Personally i don't see what difference gender makes. Not everyone is cut out to be a fighter and there could easily be women who are better suited to remaining to fight if they chose than forcing certain people to remain who would be useless or a pacifist.

I think the only questions you need ask are around finding a person or family that will fit somewhat with your lifestyle so that both you and them will have a successful outcome. If you are the type to be suspicious or worried about potential crimes being committed by the refugee than perhaps it's not the best thing to pursue.

 

[Helen Ariel]

It’s only £350 a month, by the time he has helped them fill in the 76th form that week his hourly rate won’t be much.

And the increase in energy uses, food etc. These people will arrive with very little and not be able to support themselves. It's hardly a potential money maker.

 

[Spriddler]

I only caught the tail end of the report on Southern TV News tonight but there was talk of fraudsters benefiting from offering and charging Ukrainians for (non-existent) transport to U.K. and (non-existent) accommodation.

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[DavidG58]

We are close to agreeing to home a mother and her two children age 6&9

We are going through the government channels which seem rather lacking but all we have for now

I had a mini eye opener at my dentist yesterday , asking would they let them register , no, oh so what would they do if they need dental work?

Their reply was call 111

I assumed they would be as soft as us and let them register as refugees

Not talked to doctors yet but now expect similar , other comments above raise other questions

We will fill in the gov visa paperwork tomorrow and hope the vetting system works well

We still feel a ‘real’ need to offer help, the family we have found are scared to leave but too scared to stay dad is fighting with the army

We can’t do nothing but are aware of the exposure to risk

To OP I don’t think your couple are genuine

But have no proof mine are better

 

[Spriddler]

I had a mini eye opener at my dentist yesterday , asking would they let them register , no, oh so what would they do if they need dental work?

Their reply was call 111

I assumed they would be as soft as us and let them register as refugees

Well done for your offer. I hope it goes well.

When I moved back to the U.K. ten years ago I phoned 8 dentists in the area and not one of them was accepting NHS patients.
From casual conversations with friends and neighbours nothing has changed.

We're told that GP's and hospitals are struggling to cope with demand, so the only way to get prompt elective surgery also means going privately.

 

[MattR]

Use the Government route.

As a former Foster carer I can say there are lots of pit falls you need to overcome when allowing strangers into your home.

Ground rules, support network, future planning and moving on, community needs what if they fall pregnant while here, healthcare issues.

You will have to help with all that and more, above all else you need to assure genuine need. Border Force have been inundated with fake applications, charities will be far less rigorous in weeding them out.

I hope it goes well, there is nothing more rewarding and had we not had young kids in our house, we also would have applied.

Do you have any sources to support the statement that Border Force has been inundated with fake applications? It seems that Google thinks "there aren't many great matches for your search" when searching for "Border Force have been inundated with fake applications" ....

 

[Clipgate]

Cannot for the life of see why citizens are asked to take refugees.
The public own via the state 1000s of stately houses with staff and empty rooms.
Have I missed something or is this more brainwashing to persuade the public they are virtuous. Or move the burden from state to public individuals.
I in no way support the war or any war, however let's be realistic and take great care it's a large financial burden for the host and at least a six month commitment.
I suggest the country takes the refugees, however via more effective channels.
Chartwell could take a few hundred, with fully staffed and furnished rooms

 

[MattR]

Cannot for the life of see why citizens are asked to take refugees.
The public own via the state 1000s of stately houses with staff and empty rooms.
Have I missed something or is this more brainwashing to persuade the public they are virtuous. Or move the burden from state to public individuals.
I in no way support the war or any war, however let's be realistic and take great care it's a large financial burden for the host and at least a six month commitment.
I suggest the country takes the refugees, however via more effective channels.
Chartwell could take a few hundred, with fully staffed and furnished rooms

How do you work out that it is a large financial burden for hosts? They get paid £350 a month and refugees will be entitled to some benefits.

Fortunately, over a hundred thousand UK households have a more compassionate view that putting refugees into stately houses.

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[Googlebot]

Do you have any sources to support the statement that Border Force has been inundated with fake applications? It seems that Google thinks "there aren't many great matches for your search" when searching for "Border Force have been inundated with fake applications" ....

It was a media report as to why they set up overseas centres, obviously we both know it could be absolute piffle as it was a statement from the Home Office.

My point which I didn’t make well, was at least the Government will have due diligence in identifying people.

 

[big map]

DavidG58 I know you are opening up your home and offering sanctuary to refugees from Ukraine but I wondered if you know if you have to be vetted?

 

[MattR]

DavidG58 I know you are opening up your home and offering sanctuary to refugees from Ukraine but I wondered if you know if you have to be vetted?

And the Government has declared that the checking process will not be a "light touch" as announced last week but it will be rigorous.

I'm wondering whether to start a sweepstake on how many Ukrainian refugees achieve sanctuary in the UK by the end of this year. My guess would be less than 10,000.

 

[Gellyneck]

Firstly, I don’t know how to respond to specific replies so apologies that this is a ‘catch all’ response (note to self - work out how to use this chat group properly!)

Not assisting with your "how to check" question but to quote a specific response click the "Quote" (with arrow) at bottom right of the post and this opens it in the Reply section.
If you want to alert a post to a specific Funster use the @ symbol and their forum name, eg Where to next?

ps well done you in seeking to support.

 

[Where to next?]

Not assisting with your "how to check" question but to quote a specific response click the "Quote" (with arrow) at bottom right of the post and this opens it in the Reply section.
If you want to alert a post to a specific Funster use the @ symbol and their forum name, eg Where to next?

ps well done you in seeking to support.

Many thanks Gellyneck. (assuming this works!)