INTRODUCTION TO RESETTLEMENT
SESPM coordinates strategic engagement and the regional delivery of resettlement programmes. SESPM works closely with the Home Office and local authorities around ensuring the long-term success of resettlement in the region and the integration of the resettled families into their new communities.
We work with key government departments, local authorities and civil society in delivering the regions engagement and support of these schemes.
Data:
You can find the latest resettlement data on our data dashboard, see at foot of this page, which is updated quarterly.
There are also immigration statistics released quarterly by the Home Office.
RESETTLEMENT SCHEMES
UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS)
The UKRS (UK Resettlement Scheme) resettles those who have fled from regions of conflict and instability. The scheme maintains the UK’s ongoing commitment to refugee resettlement, which continues to be an important part of the UK’s humanitarian response.
Under the UKRS, the UK will continue to offer a safe and legal route to vulnerable refugees in need of protection.
The Defence Secretary made a statement in Parliament on 18th December 2024 regarding Afghan resettlement – https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2024-12-18/hcws335 further information has also been published on .gov.uk – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/afghan-resettlement-programme.
The statement acknowledges the contributions of many partners across departments, local authorities, devolved governments, and communities that have been instrumental in ensuring the success of this programme so far.
The statement confirms a consolidation of the Afghan resettlement schemes into one scheme once people have arrived in the UK. This means that under the new scheme, new arrivals will be treated the same when they get to the UK regardless of whether they apply under ACRS or ARAP or get leave outside of the rules.
Afghan Resettlement Programme
The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Programme provides a safe and legal way for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk people from Afghanistan to come to the United Kingdom and rebuild their lives.
Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK government in Afghanistan in exposed or meaningful roles and may include an offer of relocation to the UK for those deemed eligible by the Ministry of Defence and who are deemed suitable for relocation by the Home Office.
Communities for Afghans
This is a scheme which sees the UK Government partner with communities to resettle Afghan households who are eligible for resettlement under the Afghan Resettlement. More details can be found as follows:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/communities-for-afghans-project-dluhc-policy-update
RESETTLEMENT RESOURCES
The Afghan Resettlement Programme provides a safe and legal route for some of the most vulnerable and at risk from Afghanistan to come to the United Kingdom to rebuild their lives. More details can be found on the UK Government Pages.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has launched a UK resettlement online hub which contains a variety of welcome resources for councils to use with new arrivals.
The Local Government Association has developed multiple resources to support councils with resettled refugees, including resettlement support guides and research on resettled refugees.
Community groups can directly support resettlement by helping a refugee family, including with finding housing, practicing English, and getting to know the local area. This is called community sponsorship. You can find out more about community sponsorship on the RESET website.
