Shabana Mahmood is preparing to bring thousands of refugees into British homes through a new sponsorship scheme modelled on the Ukrainian programme.
The Home Secretary is set to reveal the plans next week, offering refugees fleeing conflict zones around the world new “safe and legal” pathways into the UK.
Under the proposals, refugees could begin applying through the scheme from autumn, according to The Times.
More than 10,000 refugees are expected to be resettled in Britain by 2030 under the programme, although ministers have yet to confirm an official target.
The scheme is based on Canada’s community sponsorship model, where members of the public can sponsor refugees by supporting their financial, emotional, and settlement needs during their first year.
It would also reflect the Homes for Ukraine scheme launched after Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which enabled around 200,000 Ukrainians to come to Britain on temporary visas through sponsorship.
Announcing the plans, Ms Mahmood said: “Britain has always provided sanctuary to people fleeing war and persecution.
“But this system can only survive if the public believes it is fair, controlled, and protected from abuse.
“I will open new legal routes for genuine refugees while closing loopholes that have been exploited too often.
“My goal is simple — to build an asylum system that works not only today, but for future generations.”
The scheme will be available to refugees displaced by war or humanitarian crises, including famine and drought, who have been referred to Britain by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Sudanese and Eritrean nationals are expected to be among those prioritised, as they currently make up some of the largest groups crossing the Channel in small boats.
The Government hopes the initiative will offer a legal alternative for refugees who might otherwise attempt to reach Britain illegally via Europe.
The Home Secretary is also expected to say that “named sponsorship” will become the new standard for refugees entering the UK.
Canada’s sponsorship programme has helped more than 390,000 refugees settle since 1979, including over 30,000 in 2024 alone.
Research by University of Birmingham found sponsorship schemes can encourage more inclusive attitudes in local communities. Polling has also suggested public support for refugee resettlement is stronger when communities have greater input over who settles in their area.
Leonie Ansems De Vries, vice-chair of the Community Sponsorship Alliance, welcomed the proposal.
She said: “The Government’s decision to open applications this autumn is an important step towards building a protection system centred on integration and public trust.
“It creates a genuine opportunity to put community support back at the heart of the UK’s refugee system, building on the spirit of Homes for Ukraine, which showed how willing the British public are to support people fleeing danger.
“The strength of this model depends on local communities deciding who they are willing to welcome and support.
“We urge the Government not to impose eligibility rules so strict that they undermine the public goodwill that makes sponsorship successful.”
Ministers are expected to publish full details of the community sponsorship scheme on Tuesday as part of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.
The legislation will also introduce major reforms to human rights and modern slavery laws, aimed at making it harder for failed asylum seekers and foreign criminals to use legal challenges to delay or block removal from the UK.
