Pakistan, June 28 -- The United Kingdom will introduce new legal routes for refugees through expanded community sponsorship programmes and employer-backed schemes. The government said the initiative will provide safe pathways for genuine refugees while maintaining stricter controls on irregular migration. The first arrivals under the new sponsorship system are expected in autumn 2027.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that community organisations and selected trusted universities will be able to sponsor refugees later this year. The Home Office also plans to launch an employer sponsorship route during 2027. Officials said the programme is modelled on Canada's community sponsorship system.

The announcement comes as immigration rem...