The Home Secretary announced the reopening of the UK Resettlement Scheme for new referrals. Around one in four referrals will be for Afghan women and girls and Palestinian refugees. The Home Office says the scheme operates in partnership with the United Nations Refugee Agency and the International Refugee Assistance Project. This article is general information.
When referrals reopen and first arrivals
Referrals reopen immediately. First arrivals are expected before the end of the year. The scheme builds on prior UK commitments to refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Hong Kong.
Three new sponsorship routes
Three new routes were announced in the Restoring Order and Control Statement in November 2025. Charities and non-profits can apply in October to become sponsors for a community sponsorship route and a student sponsorship route. First arrivals under both are expected in autumn 2027. Applications for a work sponsorship route open in spring 2027, with first arrivals later that year.
All sponsors provide accommodation, integration support and help finding work. The government expects total arrivals across the UK Resettlement Scheme and the three new routes to start in the hundreds and grow to the low thousands. A cap applies each year. Those arriving receive a five-year path to permanent settlement.