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Government resettlement schemes for refugees

Resettled refugees in Kent are part of government resettlement schemes. The people on these schemes were living in danger in their home countries. The government gives them permission to stay in the UK before they travel here. The government decides which people qualify for the schemes. They travel legally to the UK and do not need to claim asylum.

The government  delivers  resettlement schemes with:

  • local authorities
  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • the International Organization for Migration
  • Strategic Migration Partnerships
  • community groups.

These are the government schemes supporting resettled refugees in Kent.

Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme

Scheme launch date: January 2014.

Scheme closed: February 2021.

This scheme aims to help people in greatest need, including:

  • people who need urgent medical treatment
  • survivors of violence and torture
  • women and children at risk.

Learn more about the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme on GOV.UK.

Vulnerable Children's Resettlement Scheme

Scheme launch date: January 2016.

Scheme closed: February 2021.

This scheme supported at-risk children and their families from the Middle East and North Africa.

Find out more about the Vulnerable Children Resettlement Scheme on GOV.UK.

United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme

Scheme launch date: January 2014.

This scheme supports the most vulnerable refugees from around the world. Often these are people living in refugee camps. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees  checks each person’s needs using these categories:

  • legal and/or physical protection needs
  • survivors of violence and/or torture
  • medical needs
  • women and girls at risk
  • family reunification
  • children and adolescents at risk
  • lack of long-term options.

Read the resettlement policy guidance on GOV.UK to learn more about the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme.

Afghan Resettlement Programme

This programme includes 3 resettlement schemes.

The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme

Scheme launch date: 6 January 2022

Applications ended: 1 July 2025

This scheme gives help to people who are vulnerable or in danger. This includes women, children and people who have supported the UK in Afghanistan. This includes:

  • women and girls
  • ethnic and religious minorities
  • LGBTQI communities
  • people supporting democracy, women’s rights, and freedom of speech.

The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy

Scheme launch date: 1 April 2021

Applications ended: 1 July 2025

This scheme supports Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK government in Afghanistan. They were in dangerous roles that caused a serious threat to their lives, such as, working as interpreters or embassy staff. The government decides which people qualify for this support.

Afghanistan Response Route

Launch date: April 2024

Scheme closed: 4 July 2025

This safe and legal route to travel was for Afghan citizens at risk after a data breach. It relocated people who were at highest risk of harm by the Taleban after the data incident.

Learn about the 3 schemes in The Afghan Resettlement Programme guidance on GOV.UK.

Community sponsorship

Community groups can directly sponsor refugee families to resettle. They support refugees with housing, education, healthcare and joining the community.

Apply for community sponsorship on GOV.UK.

Communities for Afghans

Community groups support some Afghan families in resettlement schemes. This includes help with housing, independence and joining the community. The government , principal sponsors, sponsor groups, and councils share the work of resettling these families.

Learn more about the Communities for Afghans project on GOV.UK.

Contact us

Get in touch to find out more or to see how you can help. Email refugeeresettlementteam@kent.gov.uk .

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