Square One Law to host free sessions to help firms support Ukrainian visa applications

A law firm will host information sessions to advise North East businesses on support to help Ukrainian refugees secure UK visas.

Square One Law will hold online sessions later this month, which will outline schemes and eligibility requirements.

Bosses at the firm, which has offices in Newcastle and Darlington, says the events – taking place on March 22 and 23 – will help individuals navigate the situation, which, in places, is being hampered by considerable levels of bureaucracy.

At present, a family scheme requires refugees to have a family connection, either immediate or through extended relatives.

However, officials say a new scheme would allow other individuals, businesses or local authorities to sponsor a Ukrainian national into the UK.

JP van Zyl, head of employment, said: “This is a desperate time for Ukrainians and the bureaucracy that’s tying up the visa process is causing tremendous heartache and anxiety to relatives in the UK.

“Our team is working closely with clients to help them understand how they can support employees with Ukrainian relatives trying to apply for a visa and also the emerging sponsorship scheme.

“We are keen to share our expertise beyond our client base to help North East and Yorkshire businesses, that have Ukrainian nationals working for them or want to sponsor a refugee, which is why we are holding these two free explainer sessions.”

For more information, visit https://squareonelaw.com/ukraine/