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This service is managed by Housing and Homelessness

Refugee resettlement

We continue to support displaced people affected by the war in Ukraine through the Scottish Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme. Our Resettlement Team works with Ukrainian guests and their hosts to help people settle into life in Orkney.


Homes for Ukraine

The Homes for Ukraine scheme allows households in Orkney to sponsor and host people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Sponsors provide accommodation - either a spare room or self-contained accommodation - for a minimum of six months and receive a monthly thank you payment of £350.

For guests - how to apply for a visa:

Apply under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (opens in new tab)

For guests - detailed information about the scheme:

Homes for Ukraine guidance for guests (opens in new tab)

For sponsors - how to become a host:

Homes for Ukraine sponsor guides (opens in new tab)

For regular updates, sign up to the Scottish Government's newsletter for hosts and guests.

Related resources


Our Resettlement Team

Our Resettlement Team supports Ukrainian guests to settle and build independent lives in Orkney. We work with people at home and in the community across six key areas:

  • Housing
  • Language learning
  • Education
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Social integration
  • Employability

We also provide advice and support to sponsors throughout the hosting period to make sure arrangements are going well for everyone involved.


Welcome to Orkney

We have produced welcome packs for new arrivals, available in English and Ukrainian.

Related resources

  • Orkney Welcome Pack - English

    This document contains a welcome pack for displaced people settling in Orkney. It explains local transport, healthcare, education, housing, benefits, employment, money, safety and emergency services. It also provides information about community support, advice organisations, useful contacts and activities in Orkney.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

  • Оркнейські острови - поради та інформація

    This document contains a welcome guide for Ukrainians settling in Orkney. It explains local transport, healthcare, education, housing, benefits, employment, banking, safety and emergency services. It also gives information about community support, legal advice, leisure activities, libraries and key contact details for Orkney Islands Council and other organisations.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

  • Guide for Ukrainians Arriving in the UK

    This document contains a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the United Kingdom, including those using the Homes for Ukraine scheme. It explains what to expect on arrival, how to access housing, benefits, healthcare, banking, work, education and childcare, and what support local councils provide. It also covers legal rights, responsibilities, safety, emergency services and useful contacts across the United Kingdom.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

  • Путівник для українців які прибувають до великобританії

    This document contains путівник для українців, які прибувають до Великої Британії, зокрема за програмою «Домівки для України». Він пояснює порядок прибуття, права на проживання, роботу, соціальні виплати, медичні послуги, освіту, догляд за дітьми, житло та місцеві послуги. Також наведено поради щодо безпеки, повідомлення про злочини, надзвичайних ситуацій і корисні контакти для підтримки.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

  • Welcome Pack for New Scots

    This document contains practical information for refugees, asylum seekers and other new Scots settling in Scotland. It explains everyday life, government, voting, money, housing, education, healthcare, employment and training. It also covers legal rights, community safety, emergency contacts, support services, culture and ways to get involved in local communities.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

  • Інформація для нових шотландців

    This document contains information for new Scots, refugees and asylum seekers about settling in Scotland. It covers daily life, housing, education, healthcare, work, benefits, safety, legal rights, communities and culture. It also explains available services, support for families, language learning, emergency contacts and routes into employment.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

  • Посібник національної служби охорони здоров я шотландії

    NHS Scotland Guide - English


Contact us

For queries about refugee resettlement or the Homes for Ukraine scheme, please contact:

Для отримання консультації щодо життя на Оркнейських островах та іншої підтримки звертайтеся до Наталії Кузьміної за телефоном 01856 873535 extension 3278 або по електронній пошті nataliia.kuzmina@orkney.gov.uk