More than 1,300 visas have been issued so far to Ukrainians coming to Oxfordshire for the homes for Ukraine scheme.

However, many people have been battling with the long application process.

Speaking on BBC Radio Oxford Anna from Abingdon who was born in Ukraine said the visa application process is too slow.

Anna has a 17-year-old godson who she has been speaking to every day as they wait for a visa.

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She said: “I am trying to help my godson to reach my home and he is stuck in Bulgaria. He made it there in early days when Kiev was surrounded, and the situation was very difficult at that time and shelling and bombing was continuous.

“He made a very difficult journey through a number of countries and when I found out he was separated from his parents, abroad and alone I obviously jumped to help him.

“This scheme that our government has introduced is such a good opportunity and it creates help for Ukrainians. However, for two months now we have been waiting.”

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Anna explained there has been complications with getting the visa for the 17-year-old.

Anna said: “I understand people are working hard behind the scheme, but the insecure environment that people are in needs to be taken into consideration, it is not just a piece of paper it’s people’s lives.”

Have you struggled to get a visa for a Ukrainian refugee? Let us know.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Rebecca Whittaker, she joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Rebecca covers education and news in Abingdon and Wantage.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Rebecca.Whittaker@newquest.co.uk or calling 07824524333

Follow her on Twitter @RebecWhitt

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