A Practical Guide to Refugee Resettlement in the United Kingdom

Recent years have seen increasing interest in the UK's obligations towards refugees and in the creation of safe and legal routes of entry. Conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine in particular have led the UK to reformulate its specific response to its international burden sharing obligations. Refugee resettlement is therefore a topic engendering a great deal of interest. However, little is known domestically about access to these routes.

This book is designed to give practical advice to those who advise and represent refugees, family members, and interested parties seeking to assist those fleeing conflicts and persecution. It considers each stage of the relevant process, from identification and eligibility to accessing entry clearance and support. Given the overlapping international criteria and the role of UNHCR in the process, the book will also give practical tips on engaging with UNHCR at the domestic level.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra Akinbolu is an experienced and approachable practitioner at 36 Group. She specialises in Immigration, Asylum and Public law and regularly lectures in related topics. Ranked as a Leading Junior by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, she is approachable, knowledgeable and committed to the interests of her clients.

Sandra obtained an LLB in English and European Laws from Essex University, before gaining her LLM in International Human Rights Law, with a particular specialism in refugee law. She was called to the bar in 2002, following a period of employment with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

CONTENTS

Chapter One - What Is Resettlement and How Does the International Process Work?

The UNHCR Process

UNHCR Preconditions for Resettlement Consideration

Chapter Two - UK Practice in General

Dublin III

Procedure

Rights of Resettled Refugees

Loss of Protection Status

Chapter Three - Current UK Resettlement Schemes

The UK Resettlement Scheme

Community Sponsorship Scheme

Mandate Resettlement Scheme

Chapter Four - Country Specific Schemes

Afghanistan

Ukraine

Syria

Chapter Five - Family Reunion

Chapter Six - Challenging Decisions

Resettlement Under the Traditional Schemes

Decisions Under the Immigration Rules

Leave Outside the Rules

Chapter Seven - Future Developments