UKRAINIANS are being forced to use “Tinder for refugees” to find sanctuary in Britain, it was claimed last night.
People fleeing the conflict are using social media in order to “match” with families, putting them at risk of criminals, say Labour MPs and charities.
Around 1,000 refugees are thought to have been paired under the Government’s complicated Homes for Ukraine scheme, run by Michael Gove’s Levelling Up department.
More than 150,000 Brits have volunteered. Labour’s Lisa Nandy, Shadow Levelling Up secretary, said: “Michael Gove has effectively created Tinder for refugees, asking desperate people to swipe right to find sanctuary.
“This is a serious humanitarian crisis, not online dating.
“The government should take charge of matching people.”
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Brits offering to house a Ukrainian rent-free say they are swamped with paperwork.
Ms Nandy added: “Desperate people fleeing Putin’s bombs and bullets are being asked to fill out 50-page forms, including uploading mortgage documents and utility bills.”
Retired nurse and social worker Rachel Poulton, 63, said she is in touch with a family of six but has been told the process could take weeks.
Rachel, of North Yorkshire, said: “I wish they could come here to wait. It would be good if there was a temporary visa they could get.”
Charities say delays play into criminals’ hands.
Louise Calvey, of Refugee Action, said: “Issues with the scheme means it risks being a Tinder for sex traffickers.
“We are already aware of people with illegal motives advertising on social media.”
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A government spokesperson said figures on the scheme are out this week.
They added: “No visa is issued by the Home Office until checks have been completed on the Ukrainian applicant as well as on every adult in a sponsor’s household.”
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