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Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice in the Welsh Government, is one of the key figures bringing to life the concept of Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, she has worked actively to ensure that around 8,000 Ukrainians who have arrived in Wales since 2022 receive not just temporary refuge, but the opportunity to integrate, work, and enrich Welsh communities.

Ukrainians.Wales spoke with Ms Hutt about the challenges facing Ukrainians in Wales, government support, and personal encounters that have strengthened her commitment to social justice.

Jane Hutt MS

Nation of Sanctuary: From Concept to Reality

“I’m proud of our vision of Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary, supporting those who, fleeing persecution and war, arrive here to rebuild their lives,” says Jane Hutt.

“The Welsh Government acted decisively by introducing our unique ‘Super Sponsor’ approach. This enabled us to guarantee a safe arrival for thousands of Ukrainians who did not have private hosts here.

​Although the number of new arrivals has significantly decreased, our commitment remains unchanged. We continue to provide support: welcome centres and accommodation remain available for those in need, while local authorities assist with integration.”

Visa Issues and Legal Support

Ms Hutt welcomes the UK Government’s decision to extend the Ukraine Permission Extension by a further 24 months. “This will provide further certainty to Ukrainian guests and to our local authorities and stakeholders.”

She acknowledges that some employers may be hesitant to hire Ukrainians while their visa applications are being processed. “While their visa application for the Ukraine Permission Extension is being processed, Ukrainians are permitted to work, study, and access public benefits, with these rights extending for 18 months from the date of decision. They can use the UK Government’s ‘view and prove’ service to obtain a share code, which can be provided to employers and landlords to verify their status.”

In response to increased demand for complex immigration advice, the Ukraine Immigration Advice Service was launched in September 2025. “This investment will help people who fled the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and arrived in Wales through the Homes for Ukraine route, to continue living in Wales. The service will provide complex legal advice casework, complemented by accessible online workshops.”

Education and Preserving Identity

Ukrainian children can access the same high-quality education as all other children residing in Wales. “We recognise the importance of preserving Ukrainian cultural identity whilst integrating into Welsh education,” notes Ms Hutt.

Schools can complement their curriculum with Ukrainian learning materials published by Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science. “These resources can be used at home or in supplementary schools, helping children maintain connections to their heritage while engaging with Welsh education.”

From September 2022, Ukrainians living in Wales can access full student finance support, including help with living costs, home fee status, and undergraduate tuition fee caps.

Jane Hutt MS visits the Ukrainian Library in Cardiff to explore the collection and meet with community members.

Entrepreneurship and Economic Contribution

The Welsh Government supports Ukrainians to find work, develop skills, and start businesses. Ukrainians have full access to Business Wales services, which provide advice, mentoring, and funding.

Ms Hutt cites the example of Yaroslav and Oksana Izviekov, Ukrainian café owners in Wrexham. “With support from the Welsh Government’s Super Sponsor Programme and business consultation from Business Wales, as well as encouragement from the local Wrexham community, they have turned their café into a thriving enterprise.” At the Nation of Sanctuary Awards, they received the Highly Commended Business and Innovation Award.

Working Wales offers free careers advice, job search support, and help recognising overseas qualifications. Free English and Welsh language courses are available through Adult Learning Wales and the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

Personal Encounters That Changed Understanding

“I have been deeply privileged to meet with members of the Ukrainian community across Wales on numerous occasions, and I’m immensely proud to stand in solidarity with them during these challenging times,” says Ms Hutt.

Jane Hutt MS reaffirms Wales’ support for Ukraine during a solemn Holodomor remembrance ceremony.

She recalls attending Wales’s first Holodomor commemoration event in Cardiff in 2023. “It was a powerful reminder of the historical suffering of the Ukrainian people and the importance of remembering these tragedies.”

Particularly affecting was meeting frontline medics from Ukraine, including those who had been held in Russian captivity. “This deeply affecting encounter shone a light on the barbarism of targeting medical facilities – a clear war crime – and brought home the very real human cost of this conflict.”

Recently, she attended the Ukrainian Community Gratitude Celebration in Caerphilly, which included the opening of refugee artist Olesia Miftahova’s exhibition, “Garden of Memories: Growing Beyond“. “The event featured live Ukrainian dance and music performances, followed by the sharing of traditional Ukrainian food. It was a wonderful celebration of resilience, culture and friendship.”

During a visit to the Safe Haven project in Maesteg, a school student delivered a speech about the conflict’s history and the opportunities she’d been given in Wales. “Hearing her eloquence and understanding reinforced my belief that sanctuary isn’t just about providing refuge — it’s about enabling people to thrive and contribute.”

Mental Health and Support

The Welsh Government recognises that many Ukrainians have experienced trauma and loss. Ukrainians are entitled to use NHS health services in Wales, including mental health support through local health boards.

The CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales is available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or via text on 81066, offering confidential advice and emotional support in multiple languages.

The Welsh Government also funds a range of third-sector organisations providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed support, such as counselling, peer support, and community wellbeing projects.

From Solidarity to Partnership

“Wales’s relationship with Ukraine has grown out of solidarity and compassion, and it continues to deepen into one of friendship, cultural exchange, and shared values,” says Ms Hutt. “The people of Wales have opened their homes and hearts to Ukrainians, and in doing so, have built connections that will endure long after the war ends.”

She shares inspiring stories about Ukrainian adults and children learning Welsh. “This creates a lasting link between our two countries.”

The story of two Ukrainian sisters who opened a café at Caerphilly Railway Station alongside their Welsh sponsor particularly stayed with her. “Their menu blends traditional Ukrainian flavours with Welsh ingredients — a perfect metaphor for integration. These aren’t just heartwarming stories; they’re evidence that sanctuary creates mutual enrichment.”

Final Message to the Ukrainian Community

“I want to emphasise the Welsh Government is deeply committed to working alongside Ukrainians and their supporters to foster a truly inclusive Wales,” says Jane Hutt. “We encourage everyone to engage with us – whether through local community initiatives, advisory groups, or by taking part in public consultations. Your voices, experiences, and ideas are invaluable in shaping policies and services that reflect the diversity and strength of our nation.”

“We are proud to support spaces like the Ukrainian Hub Cymru Wales, which stand as beacons of collaboration and welcome. By participating in these networks, sharing your stories, and helping to develop new projects, Ukrainians and their allies play a vital role in building a Wales where everyone feels they belong. Together, we can ensure that our country remains a place of sanctuary, opportunity, and mutual respect for all.”

By Viktor Moroz for Ukrainians.Wales