THERE has been a large increase in the number of visas issued for Ukrainian refugees set to arrive in Carlisle. 

Data from the Home Office shows that 11 visas had been issued as of April 6, a number which has now risen to 71. 

The new arrivals will be staying with Carlisle resident sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine scheme - a scheme allowing citizens to volunteer to house refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Those opting for the scheme agree to offer accommodation for at least six months, with those receiving sponsorship allowed to live, work and study in the UK for up to three years.

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Despite the large uptake in visas being issued, it comes after a point in which the Government has been criticised for not working quick enough, leaving many families in danger and in a limbo period. 

Across the UK as a whole, 51,300 visas had been issued by April 27, equating to around 69 per cent of the 74,700 applications made to that date.

The proportion of people waiting has dropped since April 7, when just 12,500 applications had been issued from 43,600 applications.

But the number of Ukrainians that have come to the UK through the scheme remains low, with the latest national figures showing just 11,100 had arrived by April 25.

A spokesperson for the UK Government said: "The changes the Home Office has made to streamline the visa system, including simplifying the forms and boosting staff numbers, are working and we are now processing visas as quickly as they come in – enabling thousands more Ukrainians to come through our uncapped routes."

Chairperson of Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG), James Cartwright, said earlier this month: "I'm very impressed with the community's generosity - backing up their words with actions by kindly offering to share their homes with those in need. 

"We're impressed also with the way host families have worked together online to share information and advice, navigating a hurriedly put-together and fairly opaque government scheme.

"CRAG will welcome Ukrainian families arriving in Cumbria through events with other organisations and aim to support our new neighbours however we can," he said.

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