Priti Patel says 100,000 Ukrainian refugees could come to UK under new visa scheme

An additional 100,000 Ukrainian's could be eligible to come to the UK under the new visa scheme, Home Secretary, Priti Patel has said.

The fresh rules, as revealed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday, mean that people who are currently settled in the UK will be able to bring immediate family members from Ukraine into the country.

Family members who are eligible to apply for these visas are a spouse or civil partner, an unmarried partner of at least two years, a parent or their child if one is under the age of 18, or adult relatives who are carers.

The rules have been met with criticism by some people, who think that the Government need to do more to allow further Ukrainians to enter the country.

Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, Ms Patel said: "I have removed the usual language requirements and salary thresholds for Ukrainians to come to the UK to be with their family members.

"And where family members of British nationals do not meet the criteria but do pass all security checks we will give them permission to enter the UK outside the rules for 12 months.

"This means that all British nationals and any person settled in the UK can bring over immediate Ukrainian family members.

"Through this policy alone, an additional 100,000 Ukrainians could be eligible to come to the UK and access work and public services.

"There is no limit on the numbers, anyone who wants to apply should contact the dedicated 24 hour line for assistance before applying."