THE Home Office has been criticised for “failing to answer international distress calls” in response to the Ukraine refugee crisis.

The government department came under fire from opposition politicians and charities amid confusion over whether more measures will be introduced to help people fleeing the war-torn country seek sanctuary in the UK.

Aleks Lewicki, a senior lecturer in Sociology at the University of Sussex and Co-Director of the Sussex European Institute, said the UK’s response could force refugees to “risk their lives with Channel crossings”.

The Argus: The Home Office has been criticised for its response to the Ukraine refugee crisisThe Home Office has been criticised for its response to the Ukraine refugee crisis

She said: "Currently, the UK government’s public reassurances give the impression that Britain is prepared to receive people fleeing from the invasion of Ukraine.

"In practice, the UK government has limited visa entitlements to relatives of Ukrainians already living in the UK.

"So far, 300 Ukrainians have made it to the UK via this route, and many displaced people report difficulties with the processing of their Visa application.

"The closure of safe routes, in this instance too, pushes displaced people in despair to attempt more dangerous journeys.”

Earlier today, it was announced that the Government will ask the British public to open their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the fighting in their country.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove will set out on Monday details of a new “sponsored” humanitarian route to allow Ukrainians without family links to the UK to come to the country.

The Daily Telegraph reported that ministers will unveil a hotline and webpage where individuals, charities, businesses and community groups will be able to offer rooms to those escaping the conflict.

Boris Johnson told Sky News: “On Monday, you’ll get from the Levelling Up Secretary, you’ll get the programme that will allow people to come in, so (if) people want to welcome (refugees) into their own homes, they can do so.”

Refugees who enter through the new route will be allowed to stay for an initial period of 12 months during which they will be entitled to work, claim benefits and access public services.

Officials will match them with offers of free accommodation from the sponsoring individuals and organisations who will be vetted to ensure it is safe and secure.