UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reopens refugee resettlement scheme for vulnerable Afghans and Palestinians

On Monday, September 28, 2026, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the reopening of the UK Resettlement Scheme, which had been closed to new applicants since December 2024. The scheme, run with the UN, will prioritize vulnerable refugees, including Afghan women and girls and Palestinians, with first arrivals expected this year. The government aims to provide safe and legal routes to deter small boat crossings, with a capped and controlled process. The announcement drew criticism from opposition parties and praise from refugee groups, who called for more places.