Isle of Man closes Homes for Ukraine scheme
Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said he was "proud of the Isle of Man's response" but demand had fallen.
The Isle of Man has ceased accepting new applications for its Homes for Ukraine initiative, over four years after its establishment in response to Russia's invasion. Since May 2022, the island has welcomed approximately 150 Ukrainian nationals, offering them housing, employment, education, healthcare, and community assistance through various government-implemented programs.
Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK remarked that the invasion sparked a humanitarian crisis, to which the island "responded to with compassion and a willingness to help those forced to flee their homes and rebuild their lives." He further stated, "This has been a truly collective effort involving many island residents who opened their homes to those in need." Cannan expressed his "pride of the Isle of Man's response," commending "the resilience, courage and contribution of the Ukrainian people who have made the Isle of Man their home."
In addition to the scheme, the government has committed £950,000 between 2021 and 2026 to international funds aiding individuals impacted by the conflict. The Homes for Ukraine scheme, which allowed residents to host Ukrainian nationals or provide vacant properties, along with the related Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, stopped accepting new applications on Friday.
Individuals currently residing on the island through these pathways are still eligible for the Ukraine permission extension scheme, enabling them to apply for an additional 18-month stay. Applications already submitted will proceed through the processing stages according to the regulations in effect at the time of their submission.
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK attributed the closure to a decrease in demand, assuring that those already on the island "will continue to receive ongoing support." He noted that the Treasury has disbursed over £150,000 in payments to hosts since 2022, acknowledging "the vital role and generosity they have displayed."