Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the immediate reopening of the UK's legal refugee resettlement scheme during her speech at the Labour party conference in Liverpool on September 28, 2026.
The policy shift aims to provide safe and legal migration routes, with about a quarter of initial admissions expected to be Palestinians and Afghan women and girls.
The scheme, alongside three community sponsorship routes, will start with hundreds of arrivals before expanding into the low thousands as illegal crossings decrease under an annual cap.
Refugees admitted under the program will be placed on a five-year path to permanent settlement.
Referrals will primarily go through the UN refugee agency UNHCR, while Palestinian refugees will be processed via the International Refugee Assistance Project.
"I know the British people have not given up on their belief that we should be compassionate, live up to our international obligations, and save the lives of those fleeing war and persecution," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
Mahmood emphasized that the expanded legal framework forms part of a broader strategy to regain border control while addressing ongoing criticism over indefinite leave to remain rules.
"This is what we can do – this is who we can be – as we restore control to our borders, bear down on small boat crossings, and unlock the inherent generosity of this country," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
Addressing pushback over planned migration requirements, Mahmood acknowledged the debate surrounding long-term residency qualifications.
"That same principle underpins my reforms to the right to live here indefinitely, ensuring settled status is earned by those who have shown a consistent commitment to this country," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
The Home Office confirmed that detailed policy announcements will follow in the autumn.
Mahmood also shared personal context regarding her family's background from rural Kashmir to explain her focus on system fairness.
"I know that, throughout our consultation process, some have said elements of these reforms are not fair. To that: let me say this.
We will come to a position that balances fairness for those who came here legally, and fairness to British citizens across this country," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
Under existing schedules, community and university-sponsored refugees are slated to arrive in autumn 2027, followed by employer-sponsored entrants later that year.
"My parents came to this country from rural Kashmir," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
Mahmood stressed that fixed numerical limits remain essential to maintain community capacity.
"Because they knew they would get a fair shot at a better life here, a fairer shot than they could ever expect back home, where past was precedent, and your birth dictated your future," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
The Home Secretary reiterated that integration capacity dictates arrival numbers.
"They were, largely, welcomed to this country, because most Brits thought it was right to welcome people who come here legally, build a life, and contribute to our nation," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
She maintained that strict caps are necessary to balance local resources.
"I also know this process must be capped and controlled, and communities must be ready and able to welcome those who come here," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
Mahmood concluded her address by linking legal pathways to border security enforcement.
"This is what we can do and who we can be as we restore control to our borders, bear down on the small boat crossings, and unlock the inherent generosity of this country," said Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary.
Opposition parties criticized the announcement, claiming the changes weaken border enforcement and burden taxpayers.
"Well there we have it - Shabana Mahmood has caved to pressure from her extreme left-wing backbenchers and will be watering down reforms to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
This is a complete slap in the face to the British people who will have to subsidise the low-skilled, low-wage migrants whom the Government itself admits will cost the taxpayer at least £10 billion," said Chris Philp, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary.
Philp argued that legal resettlement pathways could lead to expanded family reunification claims under human rights conventions.
"What's more, she has opened new routes supposedly for Afghan women and Palestinians.
We all know that with the ever-expanding ECHR articles, it won’t just be these immigrants - these routes will result in extended families being brought to the UK at huge expense to the British taxpayer," said Chris Philp, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary.
The Opposition reiterated its commitment to exiting international legal agreements to enforce rapid deportations.
"Only the Conservatives have a plan to end mass low-skilled migration for good and leave the ECHR so we deport all illegal immigrants within a week of arrival," said Chris Philp, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary.
Representatives from Reform UK also condemned the decision, demanding an immediate end to legal entry programs.
"Shabana Mahmood’s plans will mean more migrants and more Afghan criminals arriving in our country. It’s a complete disgrace.
The British public has been sold out so Burnham can keep Angela Rayner happy," said Zia Yusuf, Home Affairs spokesperson for Reform UK.
Yusuf pledged that any status granted under these initiatives would be revoked under a future Reform administration.
"Anyone thinking about arriving under these schemes should think twice.
Under a Reform government, all these people will have their right to stay revoked immediately and be deported," said Zia Yusuf, Home Affairs spokesperson for Reform UK.
