Cardiff, Wales – The Welsh Government has confirmed a crucial extension of visa permissions for Ukrainian guests while strongly reiterating its commitment to the ‘Nation of Sanctuary’ project. This affirmation followed an emotional debate in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) on Monday, September 24, 2025.
Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS
Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS, announced that the UK Government would be extending the Ukraine Permission Extension for a further 24 months. This decision is set to provide much-needed certainty for Ukrainian guests, as well as for local authorities and stakeholders supporting them across Wales. The first cohort of visas under the Welsh Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme are due to expire between April and June 2025, making this extension critical.
Funding and Condemnation of Misinformation
During her address, Minister Hutt also confirmed financial support for integration services:
- The government has awarded £53,100 to the organisation Settled to establish a dedicated Ukrainian Immigration Advice Service in Wales.
- The service will operate from September 2025 to July 2026.
- Minister Hutt took a firm stance against negative rhetoric, stating the extension clarifies “what the Nation of Sanctuary is all about” and condemning the “misinformation that has been spread” surrounding the scheme.
Celebrating the ‘Welsh Ukrainians’
The debate saw strong support from Member of the Senedd Delyth Jewell AS/MS, who advocated for the refugees now settled in the country.
“Refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine have made their home here in Wales, they are Welsh Ukrainians, and they are welcome,” said Ms. Jewell. The term “Welsh Ukrainian” has emerged as a symbol for those who have found a safe haven in Wales while integrating into the local community.
Ms. Jewell also highlighted a recent event celebrating the community’s presence:
- On September 19, both Ms. Jewell and Minister Hutt attended a Ukrainian “gratitude event” at the Penallta CCBC.
- The event featured Ukrainian songs, poetry, and cuisine.
- A major highlight was the display of powerful artwork by Olesia Miftahova. Ms. Miftahova’s work celebrates both her Ukrainian heritage and the mountains of Wales.
- Ms. Jewell described one particularly moving painting that “depicts a person standing in the eye of a storm, fighting through it,” an image that reflects the experience and horrors endured by many Ukrainians.
Ms. Jewell concluded by urging members to recognise the humanity of those who have “gone through things that most of us, thank God, would never have to even imagine,” calling on all to refrain from using their plight as “campaign fodder”. Minister Hutt fully endorsed Ms. Jewell’s points.
