Ukrainians can take up 18-month extension to stay

Changes are being made to the Isle of Man's immigration rules enabling Ukrainians already living on the island to extend the time they can stay.

Under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, Ukrainian nationals and family members can lengthen their stay by 18 months.

The move coincides with the closure of the Ukraine Extension Scheme on 4 February in a bid to "streamline and simplify" the immigration route, the Treasury has said.

Other changes include ending the use of the open-ended permission to travel letter which allowed some Ukrainians seeking sanctuary on the island to get to safety quickly.

The Treasury department said those letters, which had been issued by the UK Home Office on behalf of the island, were "always intended to be temporary".

The removal of the use of the document would "ensure fairness with new applicants who are issued a Ukraine scheme visa", it added.

The changes follow in the footsteps of the UK which announced a new scheme in November granting some Ukrainians permission to stay an additional 18 months.

In May 2022, an initiative was created which made Ukrainians travelling to the island under a number of schemes eligible to receive free healthcare, education and the right to work on the island.

The extension grants Ukrainians the same rights to access benefits, work, healthcare and education, as they currently have.

Those eligible for the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme need to make the application within 90 days of their existing permission expiring, with the option in place between 4 February and 4 August.

Ukrainian nationals outside the Isle of Man can apply for the Ukraine Sponsorship scheme if they have a host under the Isle of Man Homes for Ukraine Scheme, who would provide accommodation for a minimum of six months.

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