The Government will look at ways to help refugees from the war in Ukraine, including helping those with family here reunite, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi says. 

Speaking on Newshub Nation Faafoi said Cabinet will meet next week to discuss how to help New Zealand-based Ukrainain families who want to bring relatives here. 

He also said the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) hadn't yet asked New Zealand for help, but if they did the Government would step up. 

"Early next week Cabinet will look into how we can further help, especially the likes of Ukrainian families here who want to bring parents back," Faafoi told Newshub Nation.  

"Obviously, we've taken the measures to extend visas for those temporary visa holders who are here. 

"Dependants and partners of Ukrainians who are citizens and residents here in New Zealand obviously are able to come across. 

"The border exception I think for Ukrainians who have visas is helpful as well. 

READ MORE

• Third Russian General killed as assault on Kyiv stalls
• Cases for and against expelling Russian Ambassador to New Zealand
• Russian forces regroup on outskirts of Kyiv after setbacks
• Ukraine says Russia wants to drag Belarus into war, warns of invasion plan

The Minister stopped short of guaranteeing Ukrainian families in New Zeakand they will be seeing their relatives soon, but said they can take the fact Government is reviewing the situation "as a signal."  

The UNHCR has labelled the refugee crisis that has resulted from the Russian invasion as the worst since World War Two. 

It says around two million people have fled the war-torn country with most of them crossing into neighboring Poland. 

Faafio said it is still early days in the crisis but New Zealand had reached out to the UNHCR earlier this week. He said they replied the biggest priority was supporting the huge numbers of people fleeing Ukraine and supporting the countries they are heading to. 

"We have stepped up there in the past. We have increased our refugee quota from 750 to 1500 to be able to increase our capacity to do more in these situations.

"If there's an ask and we're expecting one, we will step up."