Over 1,500 refugees from war-torn Ukraine have moved to Hampshire
THOUSANDS of Ukrainian refugees fleeing their wartorn homeland have settled in Hampshire.
That is the latest news from councils throughout the county, who have announced the figures via the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Overall, more than 1,500 Ukrainians have moved to the county since Russia invaded in February.
In his final speech as leader of Hampshire County Council last week, Cllr Keith Mans said: ‘We have accepted well over 1,500 refugees and are one of the leading recipient counties in the country.
‘I would like to thank all council officers and staff for their excellent work.’
According to Portsmouth City Council’s press office, 70 refugees have already arrived from Ukraine, spread across 33 households throughout the city. A further 80 refugees have settled in Southampton.
A city council spokesman said: ‘As of May 19, 80 people have arrived in Southampton from Ukraine via the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
‘A further 100 visas have been granted for people we expect to welcome to Southampton under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme in the coming weeks.
‘Additional Ukrainians may have arrived in Southampton via the Ukraine Family Scheme. Information about end destinations in the UK is not collected by the Home Office.’
With more Ukrainian refugees expected to arrive over the coming weeks and months, Hampshire County Council has taken measures to ensure they are still able to travel and visit one another.