Resettlement schemes and humanitarian (safe and legal) routes

Resettlement schemes offer individuals and families who are identified as eligible a safe and legal route of entry to the UK directly from areas of conflict and instability, on the grounds of humanitarian protection. They provide an opportunity to rebuild lives in safety and dignity.

Resettlement Schemes in the UK are fully designed and funded by the national government.

Families and individuals resettled through any of the schemes listed below will get a support package, funded by central government. The support package is designed to help people:

be independent
access local services and facilities
access support services on their own
join in with the local community

West Berkshire Council partners with a local charity, Refugee Support Group (RSG), to provide this assistance. RSG is dedicated in providing direct support, advice and assistance to individuals and families to integrate with, contribute to and benefit from the wider community.

Current Resettlement Schemes supported by West Berkshire Council

Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP)

The Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) combines existing Afghan resettlement initiatives into a single process to improve efficiency and value. This includes the ARAP for eligible former UK government workers and the ACRS for vulnerable individuals and UK assistants.

The UK government plans to eventually end these resettlement schemes.

The United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS)

The United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) repeats the UK's commitment to refugee resettlement. Under the UKRS, the UK continues to offer a safe and legal route to vulnerable refugees.

Humanitarian (safe and legal) routes

Hong Kong British nationals (Overseas)

Individuals from Hong Kong and British nationals (overseas) can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa. This is commonly called a 'BNO visa', and it permits them to live, work, and study in the UK. This visa is available for either 30 months (with the option to extend for an additional 30 months) or for a full 5 years.

You can submit an application from outside or inside the UK. If you get 'settlement', you may apply for British citizenship 12 months later.

For more information, see:

Homes for Ukraine

The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to apply for permission to come to the UK, if they have an approved sponsor.

Please visit our homes for Ukraine webpages for more information.

You can find information on all safe and legal humanitarian routes to the UK provided by the UK government, as well as all the national statistics, on GOV.UK.