(London, February 3, 2026) — More than 60,000 Ukrainian children in the United Kingdom face uncertainty about their ability to complete their education as their temporary humanitarian visas offer no clear path to long-term residency, according to a report by the British publication Politics Home.
The future of a generation of Ukrainian students in the UK is in question as their legal status remains unresolved.
- Over 60,000 Ukrainian children are currently enrolled in UK schools, having largely integrated into the British education system since 2022.
- Their humanitarian visas do not contribute toward permanent residency, leaving families in a state of limbo.
- The uncertainty is causing anxiety among students, particularly teenagers, who are unable to plan for their future education or careers.
- Advocacy groups are urging the UK government to provide clarity on long-term residency and support for Ukrainian language and culture in schools.
The children, many of whom arrived in 2022, have largely integrated into the British education system and learned English, with some considering England their home, Politics Home reported. However, most families are in the country on humanitarian visas that do not provide a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Authorities have not yet offered a clear long-term mechanism for those who cannot return to Ukraine, leaving families unsure of their future. Parents have expressed concern that this uncertainty is particularly difficult for children, especially teenagers, who are unable to make plans for higher education or their careers.
Many students are attempting to balance their British schooling with online lessons following the Ukrainian curriculum, but families report that this dual workload is becoming unsustainable, leading some to discontinue their Ukrainian studies.
Public and charitable organizations are calling on the UK government to provide greater clarity for Ukrainian families, including both long-term residency status and support for maintaining Ukrainian language and culture within schools, to prevent children from feeling caught between two countries.
London officials have previously stated that Ukrainians living in the UK could be required to return home if Ukraine is deemed safe, according to a separate report.
Why It Matters
The situation highlights the broader challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees seeking long-term stability in the UK. While the UK has provided refuge to many fleeing the war, the lack of a clear pathway to permanent residency creates significant hardship and uncertainty for families attempting to rebuild their lives. This uncertainty not only impacts the children’s educational prospects but also their overall well-being and integration into British society. The call for support for Ukrainian language and culture underscores the importance of preserving identity and heritage for displaced communities.
Earlier in London they said that Ukrainians living in the UK can be returned home if their country is deemed safe.
We wrote more about UK policy regarding refugee status for Ukrainians in a separate article.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Politics Home and added independent analysis and context.
