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Wales’ Social Justice minister has called on more households to support refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

So far, more than 5,650 people from Ukraine who have been sponsored by the Welsh Government and Welsh households have arrived in the UK – with more than 8,200 visas now issued to Ukrainians who have sponsors in Wales.

Minister Jane Hutt MS has said the number of arrivals is expected to continue growing over the coming weeks.

Ms Hutt said: “In order to ensure a warm welcome to Wales, I’m issuing an invitation to households across Wales, to come forward and open their homes to welcome those seeking sanctuary.

“We’re immensely thankful to all those across Wales who are acting as hosts to Ukrainians, but it’s vital that more households to come forward.”

“Thousands of Welsh households sponsored Ukrainians to arrive in Wales and they gave a commitment to host for at least six months. As we move into the autumn, we approach the end of that initial period.

“We hope hosts and Ukrainians will agree to extend many of those placements, but we need additional hosts to support those who cannot continue living where they are.”

Ms Hutt said she “completely understands” there are people who want to help but don’t have the resources to do so, given the cost of living crisis, but said it has been “proven countless times” that the people of Wales are “one of the most generous across the globe”.

Anyone interested in hosting a Ukrainian refugee can register their interest at gov.wales/offerhome or attend an introduction session run by the Housing Justice Cymru charity – which has received funding from the Welsh Government to provide a support service for hosts, with information available through its website.

Ms Hutt reiterated that there is no obligation for people who register their interest to continue with the process if they change their mind.

The Welsh Government has also partnered with holiday rental firm Airbnb to ensure short-term emergency placements.

Ms Hutt added: “We will continue to communicate with those who host Ukrainians, with updated guidance and information to support the valuable role you are undertaking.

“To all those that are already hosting and to those that are considering hosting, thank you, we owe you all a huge debt of gratitude.”

In Caerphilly County Borough, more than 50 households have agreed to host Ukrainian refugees.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Shayne Cook, thanked residents of the borough for their “amazing generosity and support” towards refugees. He pointed residents towards the council’s website, where there is more information on supporting refugees.