Ukrainian refugee in Willington who feared deportation has visa extended

Liudmyla Petrova, also known as Mila, feared losing her job as a carer and being kicked out of Britain after her six-month visa ran out on November 2.

She was left in limbo after waiting months for an extended visa to be approved amid a six-month delay from the Home Office.

But today, the 41-year-old mum has told of her relief after her visa was finally extended, but only after The Echo contacted the Home Office.

Read more: Ukrainian refugee in County Durham lives in fear of deportation as visa runs out TODAY

The Home Office confirmed that it will extend Mila's status to live and work in the UK while her full application is processed.

However, they fell short of offering an apology for the stress caused.

Mila Petrova arrived in the UK on May 2 under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme which gives six months leave. That six months expired on Wednesday (November 2) and she feared losing her job and being kicked out of the country. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A government spokesperson told The Northern Echo: “Taken together, our generous Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family schemes are one of the fastest and biggest visa programmes in UK history, with over 186,500 visas issued and more expected to come through these uncapped routes.

“We have extended Miss Liudmyla Petrova’s status whilst her BRP is processed.”

Now Mila, who fled the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine on May 2, has told how it feels like weight off her shoulders for her application to finally be processed.

Mila, 41, (L) has been staying in Willington with Jamie Stocks, 54, (R) and his daughter since she arrived in May. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Mila said: “It was very scary because I have a job here in the UK and the visa is very important for me. My son had to stay in Ukraine because he is 18 so I work to pay for a flat for him there.

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“I am very happy that the my visa has been approved. I had this on top of worrying about my family. My parents are now under a Russian controlled area and my son is still there so it on TV it's scary what’s going on.

“My brother sometimes goes to my apartment in Zaporizhzhia to check on it, but you never know what tomorrow will be like.

“I am so grateful to all the people in the UK because everyone has welcomed me and been so friendly since I arrived.”

Mila has been caring for the elderly at a local care home, working 12 hour night shifts since her arrival to pay rent on a flat for her son in a safer part of Ukraine. He was unable to flee with her because he had recently turned 18. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Jamie Stocks, 54, who was been hosting Mila at his and his daughter’s Willington home added: “It’s a massive relief because it allows Mila to stay doing what she’s enjoying working to support her son, and it’s certainly better to see her with less stress on her shoulders.”

The Northern Echo understands that Jamie and Mila also spoke to representatives from the Home Office on Wednesday morning, who later apologised for the delay in issuing her visa, and have since provided her with documents so she can continue working until her full visa is issued.

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