WHAT IS THE UKRS AND WHO IS THE REOPENED SCHEME FOR?
The UKRS provides a safe route for a limited number of refugees to live in the UK. On 28 September 2026, the UK government announced that the scheme had reopened for new referrals. The UKRS is not restricted to specific nationalities, but around a quarter of referrals are expected to be Afghan women and girls, and Palestinian refugees combined.
Further details about eligibility and implementation of the reopened scheme are still emerging. Places are limited, and referrals are based on protection needs and vulnerability.
You cannot apply directly for the UKRS: UNHCR and IRAP identify and refer refugees through separate established processes. The UK government makes the final decision.
HOW DO REFERRALS WORK?
Palestinian refugees - referrals through IRAP
IRAP’s Palestinian programme covers refugees in Jordan and Lebanon whose lives have become unsustainable and for whom resettlement is the only option. We understand that the scheme does not cover Palestinians in Gaza, Egypt or the West Bank.
IRAP says the programme officially started on 27 October 2026, with referrals to the UK government expected to begin in November 2026. There is no confirmed timescale for individual cases.
Individuals do not need to have a family member or links to the UK to be referred.
Partner humanitarian organisations will refer cases to IRAP, which decides whether to refer to the UK government.
Afghan refugees and refugees of other nationalities - referrals through UNHCR
UNHCR says it has a limited quota to refer refugees of different nationalities from specified countries. It identifies people in their country of asylum according to their protection needs.
Registration with UNHCR, or having urgent needs, does not automatically mean someone will be considered. UNHCR will contact you if your case is being considered. Its UK office does not make referrals.
You cannot be resettled from within Afghanistan, as UKRS resettlement is generally available only to refugees outside their country of nationality.
If you are a refugee and have protection concerns, contact the UNHCR office in the country where you have sought asylum.
WHAT CAN SAFE PASSAGE DO
Safe Passage does not administer or process the scheme. Currently we are only able to provide you with information.
WHAT IF THE SCHEME DOES NOT COVER ME?
This page explains information currently available about the UKRS only. Another UK immigration route, such as a family, study or work route, may apply depending on your circumstances and the requirements at the time of applying. It is important to seek regulated immigration advice before making any application: Find a Solicitor - The Law Society .
If you have a family member in the UK you wish to join, they can search for an adviser based on their UK postcode: Adviser Finder.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
There is no direct application you can submit for UKRS. However, it may be helpful to keep your contact details updated with trusted organisations already supporting you.
PLEASE DO NOT:
Attempt dangerous travel to Jordan or Lebanon in the hope of accessing the Palestinian programme.
Pay anyone who promises a referral or place: UNHCR and IRAP services are free.
Send documents or personal information to unverified people or organisations.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?