Isle of Man closes Homes for Ukraine scheme

The Isle of Man's Homes for Ukraine scheme has closed to new applicants, more than four years after it was set up in response to Russia's invasion.

Since May 2022 the Island has provided accommodation, employment, education, healthcare and community support to 150 Ukrainian nationals under a range of measures introduced by the government.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said the invasion had created a humanitarian crisis to which the island "responded to with compassion and a willingness to help those forced to flee their homes and rebuild their lives".

"This has been a truly collective effort involving many island residents who opened their homes to those in need," he added.

Cannan said he was "proud of the Isle of Man's response," paying tribute to "the resilience, courage and contribution of the Ukrainian people who have made the Isle of Man their home."

The government has also donated a total of £950,000 between 2021 and 2026 to international funds supporting people affected by the conflict.

The scheme, under which residents hosted Ukrainian nationals or offered empty properties, closed to new applicants on Friday, along with the associated Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

People already on the Island under those routes remain eligible for the Ukraine permission extension scheme, which allows peope to apply to stay for a further 18 months.

Applications already submitted will continue to be processed under the rules in place when they were received.

Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK said the closure followed reduced demand, adding that people already living on the island "will continue to receive ongoing support".

He said the Treasury had provided more than £150,000 in payments to hosts since 2022, "recognising the vital role and generosity they have displayed."

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