From September 2026, the Government plans to create new safe and legal routes for refugees to come to the UK.
The new safe and legal routes will allow:
community groups
universities and
employers
to sponsor recognised refugees to come to the UK to live, study or work. The first arrivals are expected from 2027 onwards.
The aim is to provide alternatives to irregular journeys for people who have already been recognised as refugees.
Types of sponsorship route
There will be three main routes:
Named Sponsorship Route
Community groups can identify a refugee they want to support.
The group helps that person settle and integrate into the local area.
Refugee Study Route
Universities can sponsor recognised refugees to come to the UK to study.
Refugee Work Route
Employers can sponsor recognised refugees for employment opportunities.
When will the routes open
Applications to become a sponsor for the study and named sponsorship routes are expected to open in Autumn 2026.
The first arrivals are expected from autumn 2027 onwards.
The work route is expected to open earlier, in 2027.
How referrals will work
Recognised refugees will not be able to apply directly.
Instead, a sponsor, such as a community group, university or employer, will need to identify the refugee and refer them to the Home Office.
Who can sponsor a refugee
The following organisations may be able to act as sponsors:
community groups
universities
employers
Community groups will need to work with approved lead sponsor organisations.
Eligibility requirements
The routes will be open to people who have already been recognised as refugees.
The Government has not yet announced the full eligibility criteria.
Countries covered by the scheme
The Government has not yet confirmed which nationalities or locations will be included.
Further information will be published when available.
People already in the UK
These routes are for recognised refugees who are outside the UK before they travel.
They are not intended for people who are already in the UK and seeking asylum.