Ministers Meet To Decide Ukraine Immigration

The Council of Ministers is meeting tonight to decide how many Ukrainian refugees should be allowed to settle in Jersey.

The Chief Minister says they need to decide on an immigration policy that's the 'most appropriate' for Jersey.

Senator John Le Fondré says the government's priority is making sure refugees with family on the island are welcomed, and have access for everything they need. That includes proper housing of their own, education and jobs 'so they can settle properly into island life'.

It comes after the UK announced 'tens of thousands' of refugees will be welcomed to the country, with those offering accommodation being given a £350 'thank you' payment from the government - but the room has to be available for at least six months.

Several Ukrainian nationals with family ties to Jersey have already been reunited with their families here.

Senator Le Fondré says officers are looking at the 'full and practical implications' of allowing even more refugees to settle on the island:

"Following the UK Government’s latest changes to its immigration policy, the Government of Jersey is determining the most appropriate future policy for the Island and the Council of Ministers will meet again this evening.

Jersey's Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré

The Government of Jersey’s current priority is to make sure that those refugees arriving to reunite with families are welcomed and have access to everything they need. Should they be here for years to come, proper independent housing, schooling and employment needs to be found so they can settle properly into Island life. 

Officers are further scoping the full and practical implications of sustainably integrating a greater number of refugees."

Senator Le Fondré also praised islanders for responding 'with great compassion' to the situation in Ukraine:

"The essential supplies donated last week are being delivered to the region, and money continues to come into the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal.

Financial donations remain the best method for Islanders to provide support and Jersey Overseas Aid is already channelling these funds to where they will be most effective."