Airbnb says it will offer free short-term housing to up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine. 

These stays will be funded by Airbnb and hosts – initially in countries bordering Ukraine but eventually also around the world, including the UK. 

The short lets platform says it will work closely with governments to best support the specific needs in each country, including by providing longer-term stays.

Last week, the organization announced that it has provided some 21,300 Afghan refugees with housing and it has set a new goal of providing free, temporary housing to another 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and other regions. 

Airbnb’s offer to provide housing to up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine is in addition to this broader effort.

Last year Airbnb announced the creation of its Refugee Fund, which now has over 4,000 donors supporting its work with refugees and asylum seekers worldwide.

A statement from the platform says: “We know that Hosts and guests on Airbnb around the world will be eager to stand up and assist this massive effort to help those fleeing Ukraine. In the coming days, Airbnb and Airbnb.org will share additional details on how Hosts and the broader community can support this initiative, including by offering free or discounted stays.”

Earlier this week the National Residential Landlords Association called for clarity from the UK government on how this country’s private rental sector could help Ukraine.

Home Secretary Priti Patel says that 100,000 additional Ukrainian refugees will be allowed to come to the UK.

Patel says family members of those who are British nationals or have been given settled status – who do not meet the usual eligibility criteria but pass security checks – will be able to come to the UK for 12 months.

They will have to pass biometric and security checks but there will not be any salary or language tests, as are usually required.