Refugees welcome

MORE than 150 families in the Balearic Islands who are housing Ukrainian refugees are receiving compensation from the regional government.

Households with one guest are entitled to €200 a month, rising to €300 for two plus another €50 for each successive person.

The emergency grants were launched by the Govern in March last year to help cover the basic living costs of Ukrainian nationals seeking international protection in private households.

In total, the Social Services department has issued payments to the tune of €460,000 for hosts on the islands.

Regional councillor Fina Santiago highlighted the fact that these grants are awarded to families who “voluntarily and selflessly welcomed people who are fleeing the war in Ukraine into their homes.”

VA, remind their customers that they will never ask for personal or sensitive details over the phone, neither by call nor text message, and urge never to click on links sent out apparently in their name.

If in doubt, customers are encouraged to contact their branch directly, either by phoning the official number ­ as opposed to receiving a call ­ or in person.

The fact that these are long ­ term and indefinite stays “reflects the solidarity and commitment of the Balearic people,” said the councillor.

Up to 3,185 Ukrainian citizens have sought refuge in the Blaearic Islands so far.

ONE YEAR ON

In a related event this week, hundreds of people gathered in Palma’s Plaza de España on Friday to commemorate the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

“Stop the war, we want peace” was the main slogan of the gathering that was organised by local charities Amar Ucraina, Ayuda a Ucrania and Familia Ucraniana.

Participants flew dozens of flags and carried placards calling for the end of the invasion, as well as messages against Putin and the killing of Ukrainian civilians.