The UK government has announced new “safe and legal” refugee sponsorship routes that will allow approved organizations to help resettle “genuine refugees” through a capped immigration program.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the measures on Friday as part of a broader overhaul of the UK’s asylum system. The new pathways are expected to launch later this year and will allow organizations such as universities, community groups, and businesses to sponsor refugees who have applied to enter the UK. According to The Times, the Home Office is understood to be wanting to resettle over 10,000 more migrants with the new program, but an official number has not been set.
The Home Office said there woudl measures aimed at reducing “vexatious” immigration claims, with proposals that would change how human rights and modern slavery laws are applied in asylum cases. Although the government did not specify how many refugees would be admitted under the new sponsorship program, but emphasized that the number would remain under government control.
The announcement has drawn criticism from opposition parties, with conservatives arguing that no additional immigrants should enter the country until illegal immigration ceases. Reform UK said it would undo the system if it takes control.
"Many of those not admitted to the UK under any legal scheme would still try to enter the UK by small boat anyway... the government's plan will make no difference to illegal small boat crossings,” said Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp.
Mahmood defended the proposal, saying it would protect “genuine refugees” and would be "closing loopholes that have been too often abused."
"Britain has always offered sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution," she said. "But this system only survives if the public trusts that it is fair, controlled, and not open to abuse."
According to a report by the BBC, Mahmood will attempt to gain support for her immigration bill before Andy Burnham is expected to become prime minister. The bill is set to appear next week, though some elements may be opposed by Labour MPs.
The new sponsorship system draws heavily from Canada’s private refugee sponsorship model, which has helped resettle nearly 400,000 refugees since 1979. 70 percent of privately sponsored refugees in Canada find employment within a year, around 30 percent higher than immigrants resettled through government schemes.
The UK already operates a relatively small community sponsorship program through the UK Resettlement Scheme, through the vast majority of refugees admitted under that program are supported by local councils rather than private sponsors.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the measures on Friday as part of a broader overhaul of the UK’s asylum system. The new pathways are expected to launch later this year and will allow organizations such as universities, community groups, and businesses to sponsor refugees who have applied to enter the UK. According to The Times, the Home Office is understood to be wanting to resettle over 10,000 more migrants with the new program, but an official number has not been set.
The Home Office said there woudl measures aimed at reducing “vexatious” immigration claims, with proposals that would change how human rights and modern slavery laws are applied in asylum cases. Although the government did not specify how many refugees would be admitted under the new sponsorship program, but emphasized that the number would remain under government control.
The announcement has drawn criticism from opposition parties, with conservatives arguing that no additional immigrants should enter the country until illegal immigration ceases. Reform UK said it would undo the system if it takes control.
"Many of those not admitted to the UK under any legal scheme would still try to enter the UK by small boat anyway... the government's plan will make no difference to illegal small boat crossings,” said Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp.
Mahmood defended the proposal, saying it would protect “genuine refugees” and would be "closing loopholes that have been too often abused."
"Britain has always offered sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution," she said. "But this system only survives if the public trusts that it is fair, controlled, and not open to abuse."
According to a report by the BBC, Mahmood will attempt to gain support for her immigration bill before Andy Burnham is expected to become prime minister. The bill is set to appear next week, though some elements may be opposed by Labour MPs.
The new sponsorship system draws heavily from Canada’s private refugee sponsorship model, which has helped resettle nearly 400,000 refugees since 1979. 70 percent of privately sponsored refugees in Canada find employment within a year, around 30 percent higher than immigrants resettled through government schemes.
The UK already operates a relatively small community sponsorship program through the UK Resettlement Scheme, through the vast majority of refugees admitted under that program are supported by local councils rather than private sponsors.
