UK reopens refugee resettlement scheme with focus on Afghan women and Palestinians

Referrals reopen immediately through the UN refugee agency, with first arrivals expected before the end of the year.

Daily Alba · 2 October 2026 · 2 min read

Illustrative image of an empty airport arrivals hall. Illustrative image, not a photograph of the reported event.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the reopening of the UK Resettlement Scheme, with around a quarter of referrals expected to be Afghan women and girls and Palestinian refugees, Portsmouth News reports.

Partners

Referrals will come through UNHCR and the International Refugee Assistance Project, working with local authorities.

Sponsorship routes

Charities can apply this month to become sponsors for community and student routes, with first arrivals expected in autumn 2027. A work sponsorship route opens in spring 2027.

Source & attribution: This original report is based on Portsmouth News, published 2 October 2026. This is not independent on-the-ground reporting.