07/06/2022
https://pathfindersforukraine.com/help-host-hire/ From our Ukraine based partners:
A perfect storm is forming around displaced Ukrainians
Recent shifts in Ukraine, Poland, and Canada have revealed that there is an urgent need for support for displaced Ukrainians.
In Ukraine, an estimated 3.5 million civilians have had their homes destroyed or damaged since the war, forcing over 8 million to cross into neighbouring countries.
Among those European host countries, mounting costs and fatigue are wearing down their ability to maintain their hospitality and generosity. On June 1st , the Polish government and several other EU nations cancelled free transportation for Ukrainian nationals. On July 1st, the Polish government has ceased payments for hosts, reducing the incentive and putting the full burden of hosting onto private citizens in providing temporary accommodations.
While Poland and the EU’s hospitality tapers, non-European options becoming increasingly popular. As of June 22nd, there have been 343,283 Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) applications received, making it twice as popular as the UK’s program, and three times the size of the US’ program cap. Among those applicants, 146,461 have been approved, of whom only 38% (55,488) have landed. Ukrainians are eager to go to Canada, but have not been able to take that step.
Despite enduring many of the same hardships, threats of danger and persecution, and having the same needs refugees, Ukrainians are not being given refugee status. CUAET is an extended travel visa with a 3-year work permit. The institutional supports and funding that comes with refugee status are not on offer, there is no centralized organization for resettling Ukrainians and no database of available hosts. It is up to decentralized, grassroots groups and some social service agencies that are working to fill the gaps — including flights, accommodations, and employment.
Canadians can help by broadening the ways they can support to three key areas: by helping, hosting and hiring Ukrainians trying to get to Canada and onto their feet.
Recent shifts in Ukraine, Poland, and Canada have revealed that there is an urgent need for support for displaced Ukrainians.
