Can you open your home to Ukrainian refugees?

Government asks Island residents to consider help they can offer

People on the Isle of Man are being asked to consider whether they are ready to open up their homes to Ukrainian refugees.

Government's Ukraine Relief Committee met this morning to explore how the Island will 'take in' people fleeing the ongoing conflict.

It’s working to enable islanders to sponsor Ukrainians to come to the Isle of Man – currently only those with a family member here can do so. 

Seven potential applications have been received so far. 

Cabinet Office Minister Kate Lord-Brennan said: "I know there is a sense of at frustration at the time the UK is taking to open up a pathway to allow Ukrainian refugees without family connection to Britain to come to the UK and potentially onwards to the Isle of Man.

"Mirroring the UK pathway should be the preferred way to proceed but we do not want process to get in the way of the generous offers of support from our community. We are actively considering alternatives.

"We are asking the public to start considering whether they are ready to open up their homes or provide suitable accommodation they might have for Ukrainian refugees.

"This is an initial step while we await further information from the UK and determine how best we can support the community to offer a safe haven to those fleeing the conflict."

Those interested in becoming a host, or who can offer support, are being asked to email government at ukrainesupport@gov.im.