Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK Home Secretary has announced the relevant visa changes in regards to Ukrainian nationals.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine amid this unprovoked and anti-democratic act of Russian aggression," Patel said in a statement released by her ministry.

"I have immediately ordered changes to our visa policy to provide certainty to our Ukrainian friends and colleagues living, working and studying in the UK," she added.

Some of the concessions for Ukrainians shall include a series of visa extensions and other immigration options below:

• Ukrainian nationals on an existing points-based system route can extend their leave in the UK.
• Ukrainian nationals on an existing visitor visa can exceptionally switch into a points-based system immigration route without having to leave the UK.
• Ukrainian nationals on an existing visitor visa can apply under the family route for further leave without meeting the immigration status requirement, provided they meet the requirements for leave based on exceptional circumstances.
• Ukrainian nationals on an existing seasonal worker visa will have their leave in the UK extended to Dec. 31.
• Ukrainian nationals in temporary HGV/pork butcher jobs will have their leave in the UK extended to Dec. 31 and will also be allowed to apply to the skilled worker route.

The Home office stressed that these concessions are available for people with valid visas in the UK.

"All visa routes remain under constant review and any changes to the visa policy will not compromise border security", it said.

Last week, the Home Secretary ordered the closure of the Tier 1 Investor Visa amid security concerns that it was being used by people acquiring their wealth illegitimately and being associated with wider corruption.