Safe Refugee Routes for Students

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon Excerpts

Wednesday 8th July 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Royall of Blaisdon]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what recent progress they have made towards developing safe refugee routes for students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.

[The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Hanson of Flint) (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government committed to three new safe and legal routes in the Restoring Order and Control Statement. The Home Secretary announced that the refugee study route will be open this autumn, with arrivals in autumn 2027. Officials are working closely with stakeholders to design the new routes to ensure that they are both safe and controlled, and further information will be set out in due course.

[Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Lab)]

My Lords, I am delighted to hear that there is progress and that the Government are determined that the scheme should be in operation by the next academic year. However, I ask my noble friend for his assurance that those students who might be able to take up the offer being provided by the Government, and who meet the criteria and have scholarships, will know that they will be able to take up the places by 2027. Further, is the Home Office consulting with UUK to ensure that universities are not overburdened by whatever scheme is put in place?