Bully for you, for being so perceptive.
How EXACTLY does that solve the problems that are now in existence though?
There's always a smart arse.
But unless hosts took the gamble then the 'genuine' cases would be up shit creek. How do you resolve those who are abusing the system though?
There needs to be better mechanisms for this.
And yes, revokation of visas for those who 'go on holiday' back to Ukraine absoluetely should be on the list, in order to effectively protect the genuine cases here. Its not really on, if they are seeking shelter in anyway from a host.
Not only this, a number of hosts have pointed out their guests have been claiming UC. You can't just 'go on holiday' and still be looking for work in all seriousness. And there is the risk that they will return to Ukraine and continue to claim as a previous poster is clearly worried about.
I certainly know a few hosts who are really uncomfortable with their guests, actively doing things that they feel are in the realm of benefit fraud whilst living with them. Which I think its pretty reasonable given its a criminal offense. It puts hosts in a really difficult position, with someone they may have built a personal relationship with and certainly have a financial arrangement with. They don't want to be complicit in any way nor be forced to report it. Penalties for benefit fraud are a fixed penalty fee, a loss of benefits completely, prosecution and a criminal record. A criminal record, risks the loss of a visa (Note: if Ukrainians are NOT on a refugee visa, then deportation is in theory a possibility - especially if the conflict finishes before the end of three years. It would be much easier in legal terms). All of these would have an impact on a host either directly or indirectly.
The whole thing about UC is the clause about being actively seeking work. Hosts, are being put in a position if they know that their guest is doing fuck all to meet their commitments. I know of some who have applied for jobs for their guest, purely because they are worried about the implications of their guest not doing it. This is not a small amount of work. It puts a huge amount of stress on hosts.
Ignorance of not understanding the UC rules isn't going to give an adequate legal defence.
Understanding that once you have entered into a hosting arrangement, hosts are almost in a symbotic relationship, where they are exposed to abuses which have a huge impact on them and coming up with solutions for the hosts, rather than just repeatedly telling hosts that they are a) bigotted monsters who hate all ukrainians b) should suck it up because obviously over half of all Ukrainians are traumised and stop being so cruel and inconsiderate of their feelings because the financial and legal implications to you as a host are irrelevant c) should have seen it coming and only have themselves to blame for finding themselves in a shitty situation even though they have gone to extreme efforts to actually help someone.
Traumatised refugees have to find work and housing in other places simply to survive. They can't just hide in a bedroom and refuse to do anything because they are depressed. This is just taking the piss. The idea that hosts should just tolerate it is a nonsense. Especially if it has a negative impact on them in any way.
Its like there is a default stick to beat hosts with, because 'poor ukrainians'. Most hosts are the antithesis of the right wing bigot who hates foreigners and thinks benefits should be cut to everyone. The very act of hosting really does put them in a very different part of the political spectrum to that. It would be nice if thats actually recognised on a thread intended as support for hosts.
I've said it before, but hosting does seem to be a real hiding to nothing. Sometimes they need it stressing that, no they aren't bein unreasonable and reassured that its ok to stand up for themselves and not be a doormat for behaviour which takes advantage of generousity. This is not expecting ukrainians to be continuously grateful. Its about expecting them to take responsibility for themselves. And yes, that might be more difficult because they don't have permenant status, but it doesn't take away from the point that they just have to get the fuck on with living in the country they are living whether they like it or not. Being on a ukrainian visa and having refugee (or humanitarian status) by its nature means a loss of choices in life. This may need to be spelt out bluntly by hosts. However, its still an opportunity thats better than being in Ukraine in many respects. If they feel its not, there is the option to return to Western Ukraine...
As I've also said, part of the problem with the UK in particular, is the number of Ukrainians who didn't come from battle hit areas so actively did have other choices available to them. Its a relevant point to many hosts, who are stuck with guests who aren't making efforts.
Suggesting solutions for hosts rather than berating them, would be actually helpful.
HTH