‘All talk and no action on Ukrainian refugees’

No refugees have been welcomed into the island under the scheme since it was announced last month.

‘It is frustrating, we need to be more proactive,’ said Chris Blin, president of Overseas Aid & Development Commission.

‘Guernsey will be seen by its actions – we are already doing a lot of humanitarian aid and fundraising. We all talk about Guernsey being blessed with children being able to evacuate to the UK [in 1940], but we are talking about all this and not doing it.’

More than 200 Bailiwick householders expressed an interest in hosting one or more refugees.

Home Affairs has said that although many people want to see the scheme up and running, it must be done correctly, and various considerations must be made before plans can be confirmed. It has said the UK’s Homes for Ukraine scheme did not provide a workable blueprint that can could be replicated easily within the Bailiwick.

‘We’re particularly mindful of the capacity and resources for some services which provide support to our most vulnerable islanders, and who would need to extend those services, which are already stretched, to more service users,’ said Home Affairs president Deputy Rob Prow. The deputy said he understood many people’s desire to make progress.

The scheme must have full support across relevant States departments before progress can be made.

Guernsey’s ability to implement the scheme also depends on the UK, as the Home Office is responsible for issuing visas.

But Deputy Blin, who is also running a support group for Ukrainians who have come to the island to live with family, said the island was not doing the best it can to support those fleeing their war-torn country.

‘There doesn’t seem to be a drive to do it, they’re still looking at how it will work. If it is going to be six months there is no point in talking about Liberation Day and refugees, we need to do something now,’ he said.

‘It doesn’t mean we’re looking for more than 200 refugees, because those families will need support. It’s about getting all the pieces in order – it won’t be a walk in the park, they are going to need a lot of support when they are here.’

The Family Scheme and Extension Scheme which offers refuge for those with a local family connection has been agreed upon by Home Affairs, and more new arrivals are expecting to arrive in the island over the coming weeks.

The States has said it will give a further update on the Homes for Ukraine scheme whenever there is progress made.