Christian group sounds caution over government scheme to house Ukrainian refugees

Mar 15, 2022 by Jill

from Christian Today:

A Christian campaign group has called for caution as a government scheme rolls out allowing Britons to shelter Ukrainian refugees in their own homes.

CARE welcomed the intention behind the Homes for Ukraine scheme, launched as millions flee the war in Ukraine, but warned that there was “potential for abuse”.

The warning was issued on Monday, the same day as a government website was to go live allowing people to express their interest in becoming a sponsor.

The government has offered people £350 a month to take a Ukrainian refugee into their home.

CARE’s human trafficking lead, Lauren Agnew, said that proper vetting must be in place so that refugees do not fall victim to modern slavery.

“The Homes for Ukraine scheme is well-motivated and could benefit a great number of individuals but the logistics of it must be weighed carefully,” she said.

[…] “Recent statistics from the National Crime Agency estimate there are at least 6,000-8,000 modern slavery offenders in the UK,” she continued.

“We can be certain that some of this number will be seeing the Homes for Ukraine scheme as an opportunity to turn a profit at the expense of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge in the UK.

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