In many conflict-affected areas, the UK lacks consular and visa processing services, making it very difficult for sanctuary seekers to complete necessary steps. This is especially clear in Gaza, where the closure of the Visa Application Centre in 2023 has left many without accessible visa services, trapping them in a dangerous environment.
Dr Jonathan Birtwell, Sanctuary Hub Postdoctoral Research Associate, King's College London
05 September 2025
New framework aims to improve UK approach to forced migration
A new policy framework designed to strengthen the UK’s response to global forced migration by expanding safe pathways to sanctuary has been published by experts at King’s College London.
The report, developed by the King’s Sanctuary Hub in collaboration with the Community Sponsorship Alliance, recommends scaling up and improving community sponsorship schemes as part of a more sustainable, inclusive and effective system to support people seeking sanctuary.
Community sponsorship enables local groups to take direct responsibility for welcoming and supporting refugees in a host country. Under the UK Community Sponsorship scheme, sponsor groups commit to resettling a family in their local community by securing suitable accommodation for at least two years, helping the family navigate UK culture and services, and providing ongoing support toward employment and meaningful participation in community life.
The framework builds on the strengths of existing models while addressing key limitations. It recommends broadening sponsor eligibility, consolidating fragmented schemes into a single programme, and introducing a naming mechanism that allows sponsors to nominate individuals or families they wish to support. It also proposes removing logistical and bureaucratic barriers that limit safe access and participation, including streamlining visa processes, speeding up application decisions, and working with trusted partners to verify identities and support applicants in urgent or conflict-affected situations.
The proposed changes complement existing resettlement and humanitarian routes to the UK. The research draws on King’s experience of developing a successful University Sponsorship Model that enabled higher education institutions across the UK to support Ukrainian students and academics through the government’s Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.
The vast majority of forcibly displaced people lack access to safe routes to the UK. Deterrence-focused policies are not only ineffective; they push sanctuary seekers into dangerous, prolonged journeys that increase vulnerability and strain public services. Our framework offers practical and cost-effective reforms to expand safe pathways and help sanctuary seekers to become fully included in their new communities.
Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries, Reader in International Politics, King's College London
The framework has been published as the government reviews refugee sponsorship and resettlement schemes. The Immigration White Paper, launched in May, outlines plans to develop a clear sponsorship framework to enable businesses, universities and community groups to support refugees to live, work and study in the UK.
“We've seen first-hand what happens when communities are given the tools and trust to lead: lives are changed, both for those seeking sanctuary and for those who welcome them. That’s why we’ve been proud to co-lead this work, in partnership with the Sanctuary Hub at King’s College London and so many others across civil society.
Susannah Baker MBE, Chair of the Community Sponsorship Alliance
An online panel was held to explore the frameworks key recommendations, potential challenges, and its relevance to UK and international policy contexts.
In this story
Reader in International Politics
Sanctuary Hub Postdoctoral Research Associate