Boris Johnson extends visa rules for Ukrainian refugees

Boris Johnson has said the UK could take in 200,000 or more Ukrainian refugees as the government extends its help to more people fleeing the war.

The scheme allowing close relatives of Ukrainian people settled in the UK to come over will be widened to include adult parents, grandparents, children over 18 and siblings.

UK firms will also be able to sponsor a Ukrainian entering the country.

The changes follow criticism that the UK is doing less than EU countries.

Around seven million people are thought to have been displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the United Nations reports that more than 500,000 people have fled the country.

EU members have agreed to let in Ukrainian refugees for up to three years without first having to seek asylum, with more than 280,000 people having entered Poland so far.

Outlining UK policy on Monday, Home Secretary Priti Patel told Parliament that changes to visa rules would allow “any person settled in the UK” to bring over their immediate Ukrainian family members – including spouses, civil partners, long-term unmarried partners and children.

It was stated that this could help up to 100,000 people.