The UK government has reopened its UK Resettlement Scheme for new refugee referrals, creating a further safe and legal route for people fleeing conflict and persecution.

The Home Office said around one in four referrals are expected to involve Afghan women and girls and Palestinian refugees. Referrals will be made through established processes involving the UN Refugee Agency and the International Refugee Assistance Project.

The government said referrals have reopened immediately, with the first arrivals expected before the end of 2026. Local authorities will work with the scheme to support people arriving through the resettlement programme.

The announcement also sets out plans for three additional community-based routes. Charities and non-profit organisations will be able to apply to sponsor refugees, while universities will be able to participate in a student sponsorship route. A work sponsorship route for companies is scheduled to open in 2027.

According to the government, the initial number of arrivals across the resettlement and new sponsorship routes will be in the hundreds, with numbers expected to increase over time. Annual caps will apply.

The reopening comes as the government continues to reshape UK immigration policy around controlled, capped and legal routes, alongside measures targeting irregular migration.