Strath MP urges UK Government to allow Ukrainians to stay

A call has been made to allow Ukrainians who have made lives in Scotland after Russia’s invasion of their homeland to be allowed to stay.

Badenoch and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter and Councillor Jérémie Fernandes (Elgin City North) want the UK Government to grant Ukrainian nationals the right to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as many near the end of their initial visas.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago today, thousands of Ukrainians sought refuge in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family Scheme visas.

While these schemes provided a vital lifeline, many beneficiaries will soon have to apply for an extension under the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme.

This offers an 18-month visa extension but does not provide a pathway to permanent settlement, leaving many in limbo about their future.

There are currently around 400 Ukrainians in the Highlands - many of them in Aviemore and the wider strath - and 130 Ukrainian refugees in Moray.

The two SNP politicians have raised concerns about the uncertainty faced by Ukrainians who now want to build a future in Scotland.

They are urging the UK Government to introduce a clear route to ILR allowing those who want to stay permanently to do so without the stress of an unstable immigration status.

Mr Leadbitter said: “As President Zelenskyy has said, we want Ukrainians to be able to return home when the conflict ends.

“But for many, that simply isn’t an option—they may have lost their homes, their communities and their support networks.

“Some have nothing to return to, as their cities and villages have been devastated by the war, and rebuilding will take years, if not decades."

The MP continued: “Scotland welcomed these individuals and families in their time of greatest need, and they have repaid that welcome by becoming valued members of our communities.

“They are working, studying, and contributing in countless ways, bringing skills and experience that benefit us all.

“But right now, many are living with uncertainty about their future. The 18-month extension under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme is only a temporary solution.

“It does not allow people to properly plan for their long-term future, whether that be investing in a home, continuing education, or setting up businesses.

“Without the security of indefinite leave to remain, they are left in limbo, unsure if they will have to uproot their lives again.

“If Ukrainians in Scotland wish to stay permanently, they should have that right, and, frankly, Scotland needs workers in many vocations where we have vacancies we struggle to fill.”

Councillor Jérémie Fernandes commented: “Thanks to the incredible support of local communities and partners like UHI, many Ukrainians have settled in Moray and the Highlands, finding work, opening businesses, and becoming part of our society.

“They have built lives here, made friends, and established roots in our towns and villages.

“Many of these individuals have taken great steps to integrate, learning English, securing jobs, and even launching their own businesses that add to the local economy.

“The resilience they have shown is remarkable, and they deserve the right to build a stable future without the constant worry of their visa expiring.

“For many, returning to Ukraine will not be an option, even once the war ends. Some have lost everything, while others may fear ongoing instability in the region.

“Offering them a clear route to stay permanently would provide the security and peace of mind they need to truly thrive in Scotland.

“It would allow them to continue contributing fully, knowing they are not just here on borrowed time.”

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