# UK refugee resettlement and immigration policy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-refugee-resettlement-and-immigration-policy > Updated: 2026-09-29T15:00:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. The UK government has announced plans to reopen the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) to establish safe and legal migration routes for vulnerable populations. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the initiative aims to meet international obligations through annual caps, with a focus on Palestinian refugees and women and girls from Afghanistan, as well as survivors of torture and individuals with disabilities. The program intends to utilize partnerships with the UNHCR and the International Refugee Assistance Project, while introducing new community sponsorship routes involving universities, companies, and local communities. Refugees admitted through these pathways are expected to receive a five-year route to permanent settlement. Subsequent developments regarding these policies have drawn scrutiny. While the Home Secretary confirmed new settlement arrangements would be implemented later this year, critics have raised concerns regarding potential parallels to the Windrush scandal. Additionally, the proposed Immigration and Asylum Bill includes a ‘refugee tax’ of approximately £10,000 that asylum seekers would be required to pay before applying for settlement. Other concerns have been raised regarding the impact of immigration policies on the care sector and the welfare of children of migrant workers. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: UK Home Secretary outlines new immigration and settlement policies UK immigration updates include new settlement policies, a proposed £10,000 ‘refugee tax’ in the Immigration and Asylum Bill, and the reopening of resettlement routes for Afghan and Palestinian refugees. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-home-secretary-outlines-new-immigration-and-settlement-policies ### 2026-09-27: UK to reopen refugee resettlement scheme prioritizing vulnerable groups UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reopening the UK Resettlement Scheme, prioritizing Palestinian and Afghan refugees through safe, legal, and controlled routes in partnership with the UN. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-to-launch-new-resettlement-routes-for-afghan-women-and-palestinians --- Cite as: UK refugee resettlement and immigration policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-refugee-resettlement-and-immigration-policy