Ukrainian house guest doesn't want to leave!

[reallyneedmoresleep]

We've had a Ukrainian house guest for the last six months via the Homes for Ukraine scheme. When she came to live with us, we said it would be for a six month period and at the last welfare check we confirmed that she would need to move out by mid-May.
She doesn't want to leave. She has asked several times if she can stay, we have said no. She says our house is much nicer than where she can afford to move to.

I have visited estate agents with her who advise that to rent privately, she either needs a guarantor (we are not prepared to do this) or to pay six month's rent plus the deposit up front. She cannot afford this.

What do we do?

I know the situation in Ukraine is appallling and I am writing from a position of immense priveledge but we have found it really difficult having someone else in our home. She is not an easy person to be around, does not work, has refused all offers to be taken to support groups and frequently just hangs around us when we are in the house when we are trying to work or just to chill. Our son is home from uni in a couple of weeks and we need the room back.

There has been radio silence from the council Homes for Ukraine scheme.
How can I help her to move on?

Guess what? Afghanistan doesn’t border any of those countries!

It does, however, border Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, who already have communities of Afghan refugees and would integrate very well if encouraged to relocate into those societies. Afghanis encompass ethnic Pashtuns, Uzbeks and Tajiks, after all.

All this to say that cultural differences will impact how successful these policies are; if Ukrainians are having trouble in these domestic arrangements, how do you suppose they would be just the same? It would be worse if we want to be honest.

Politically they wanted to make Ukrainians seem just like any other Western European for naked political reasons. Very sad real people have been fooled like this.

@MsJinks I don’t think that we are ignorant to integrating different cultures, in fact we bend over backwards despite the tripe of us being a racist country. That’s just crap planning in general your talking about.

I hope you sort this difficult situation out, op. You did something very kind and it is very sad that your guest is not accepting your help.

The police won't even come to your house if you've been sexually assaulted.

So, there's absolutely no way they'll get off their arses for a civil matter like this.

You’re wrong. I know of lots of cases where they have.

In my area the HfU scheme will pay 3 months’ private rent. Sadly, she has no family and hasn’t made any friends here. We are not willing to be her guarantor or to pay the six months’ upfront rent the letting agencies are asking for.

I'm not wrong. I haven't just pulled that statement out of my backside.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-65039349.amp

I meant you’re wrong about police not attending to remove guests who are refusing to leave.

Can’t the council be gaurantor? Surely they are not expecting/hoping host families to do this

I wouldn't beat yourself up about it. Where is her empathy and concern for you?

Local letting agents won’t accept the council as guarantor

Strange, isn't it? The TA story can't be right because I don't think a school would go to the trouble and expense of enhanced DBS checks, Safeguarding and Child Protection training for someone without settled status?
You can't just go into schools nowadays.

Thats an interesting view point. Lets face it, colour is a factor here. Ukrainians are white, they look like us. I came across all kinds of Ukrainian refugees. Very hard working young women who slogged away in hospitality and some who were struggling to come to terms with a huge drop in status.

House share seems the best option. Snoring is irrelevant. Nobody expects her to share a room.

hownold is she? She sounds difficult but hard not have sympathy for a young person who has fled war

Our ex-guest is training as a TA in a local primary, and the school paid for DBS. Many of the checks were already done in order for them to get their visas.

Agree with this. The story doesn’t add up. Also TAs need to be trained now.

I assure you that immigrants are dbs checkef and work in schools

I know, I've appointed a few migrants myself.
Being a refugee is another story. We don't want to go to all that time, trouble and expense for someone to stay for a week.

Bridgetta · Today 08:24

Guess what? Afghanistan doesn’t border any of those countries!

Also guess what, they're in Central Asia. None of the former Soviet 'Stans have much in common with Afghanistan. There are ethnic Uzbeks in Afghanistan, for example, but they're not much like their compatriots in Uzbekistan.

Exactly.
Gone are the days when anyone could go into a school "to help".
If we're going to all that trouble and expense, we need to make sure it's worthwhile.

It is 100% no your responsibility to be her guarantor. Not at all, do don't feel bad about it. And the fact you are clearly not feeling comfortable to do so, is a red flag. Follow your instincts xx

You've done more than most already, you dont need to do anything more.

I agree. Also, so many people whom live here struggling and homeless, including families stuck in bnb's for months, 1 room, family of 4 for example. Why don't we have a house a homeless family for 6 month until they find a place. Because yes some people want to appear martyrs to others, oh we had a ukraine family for 6 month, at our expense, but we are fine with that etc...ugh. those that shout the loudest you know.

Absolutely this. Even our council warned hosts very strongly not to act as guarantors.

There's always a need for people to take in young people from the care system. They no longer live in care, but need a home and support as young adults.

This has happened with a friend in the village; the visitors regularly return to Ukraine to mange their business out there, have medical appointments and dental work and holiday there with relatives.
They can afford to do this and say they are saving so much money by living rent free here 🤬