Parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings of Ukrainian islanders living in Jersey are now eligible to apply for a visa to join them here.

It's after the British Home Secretary, Priti Patel, widened the UK visa eligibility criteria to allow more people from Ukraine with family ties to Britain to seek refuge with them as they flee the ongoing war in their own country.

Senator Ian Gorst, Jersey's External Relations Minister, has told States Members they will apply in Jersey too:

"This lunchtime, the UK Home Secretary - Priti Patel - has widened UK visa eligibility for people wishing to join family members.

It will now include adult parents, grandparents, children over 18 and siblings – in addition to the immediate family members who had previously been eligible.

A new visa sponsor route will also be created to let British businesses bring Ukrainians to the UK.

I’m pleased to announce that Jersey will mirror these changes."

Senator Ian Gorst in the States Chamber

He went on to say that conversations between the island's External Relations Department and UK Home Office are ongoing, looking at the best ways to assist families fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

"There is an existing immigration route to enable Ukrainian nationals who are the immediate family members of British nationals to come to Jersey, but we are examining further options to assist these families."

A special task force was set up last week, with government officers looking to support islanders with family members in Ukraine looking to stay with them.

UPDATE: Jersey will expand eligibility for Ukrainians wishing to join family members in the Island.

It now includes spouses, adult parents, grandparents, any-aged children, and siblings. This follows an announcement by @GOVUK

More information: https://t.co/9Ib2ZmuIVt pic.twitter.com/clpmPd4ekJ

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) March 1, 2022