VAG re SWV Ukrainian national extension 9.3.22

Microsoft Word - VAG re SWV Ukrainian national extension 9.3.22 .docx The Right Honourable Priti Patel MP, Secretary of State for the Home Department Kevin Foster MP, Minister for Safe and Legal Migration 9 March 2022 Dear Madam or Sir, Seasonal Worker Visa: visa changes, support, and information available to Ukrainian nationals on the SWV We write in the context of our membership of the Home Offi. [...] As you know there is a significant body of evidence documenting risks of exploitation on the SWV.1 Concerns have been raised by Vulnerability Advisory Group members and elsewhere on the need to ensure adequate and effective inspections and monitoring of working conditions as well as effective complaint mechanisms for workers on the scheme. [...] It is in this context that we write to request that proactive steps are taken urgently, if they are not already in place, for workers on the scheme who are Ukrainian nationals to mitigate additional risks to them and their families as a result of the conflict in Ukraine. [...] We note that the conflict is likely to affect many workers in the UK on the scheme given that from January to December 2021 67% of issued SWVs were to Ukrainian nationals.2 We are aware that Ukrainian nationals in the UK on the SWV scheme will have their visas extended until 31 December 2022 on their behalf by the Home Office together with their employer.3 We are keen to know what information and. [...] We are also keen to understand what changes will be made to the conditions of the SWV to accommodate the changed circumstances of Ukrainian SWV holders who may need to bring their families to safety in the UK.