Thousands of refugees expected in UK next week under Homes for Ukraine scheme

Government says 5,500 visas granted and 20,000 applications submitted

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Thousands of Ukrainians are expected to arrive in the UK next week following criticisms of the slow progress of government schemes.

The refugees minister, Richard Harrington, told a parliamentary committee that sponsors who had identified someone who wished to come to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme would be able to apply from 18 March.