Ukrainian guests urged to get visas

Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, is alerting Ukrainian guests residing in Sussex Weald to changes regarding visa verification under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and urging them to apply for an e-visa which is replacing the Biometric Residents’ Permit (BRP) cards.

Nusrat Ghani said: “I understand that all Homes for Ukraine guests must apply for an e-visa as their Biometric Residents’ Permit (BRP) cards need to be replaced by e-visas by 31 December 2024. I am advised that applications should be made as soon as possible, so please do not wait until you receive a letter from the Home Office. The Home Office advises guests to keep their BRP once it’s replaced by the e-visa. This is because the B.R.P card can be useful as a physical identity document. An e-visa application will require guests to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, because the application process is digital. Details of how to do this can be found on the government website: www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa. Please read the advice carefully to ensure that the application is made correctly.”

“I’m proud that Sussex Weald has led the way in providing support to Ukrainian families arriving to East Sussex and since the war began, I have been working closely with volunteer groups across the constituency on coordinating support. I am immensely grateful for the kindness and hospitality of local residents involved in supporting our guests settle in, and I am pleased that our guests have been fully participating in our communities, finding work opportunities and many also moving into their own accommodation. The UK’s support for Ukraine must remain steadfast so that our efforts to help with the rebuilding of Ukraine will enable Ukrainian families living in Sussex Weald to return home safely and reunite with their loved ones.”
 
Additional help in applying for an eVisa 
Free regional help is available at People Matter,  in Eastbourne, they are being funded by the Home Office to help guests to apply for, and understand how to use, eVisas. Contact them at https://people-matter.org.uk/contact-us/ 
 
Help to complete the eVisa application
Should you need assistance completing the application process, In-person help can be found at the Ukrainian Hubs in Bexhill, Lewes, Hastings or Eastbourne (times and locations listed below).
 
If you require help, in-person assistance is available at the following Ukrainian Hubs:
Eastbourne: Tuesdays 4-6pm; St John the Evangelist Church, St Johns Road, Eastbourne, BN20 7ND
Contact: ukrainianhubeastbourne@gmail.com
Bexhill: Wednesdays, 11am-2pm; Beulah Baptist Church, Buckhurst Road, Bexhill, East Sussex, TN40 1QA
Contact: Bexhillukrhub@gmail.com or call: 07709 116 163
Hastings: Mondays, 11am-1:30pm; Holy Trinity Hastings Church, Robertson Street, Hastings, TN34 1HT
Contact: jac.williams@hthchurch.org
Lewes: Wednesdays, 10am-12pm; Christ Church, Lewes, BN7 1BL
Contact: secretary@christ-church-lewes.org