This article was last updated on October 28, 2026

Summary

The United Kingdom (UK) is launching a program to make resettlement accessible to Palestinian refugees located in Jordan and Lebanon. Under this program, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) will be able to refer a very small number of extremely urgent humanitarian cases to the UK for consideration for resettlement. These cases will be referred to IRAP by humanitarian organizations in Jordan and Lebanon and IRAP will then hold interviews to determine if these cases can be referred to the UK government. 

The UK resettlement program will also consider Afghan nationals for resettlement, specifically women and girls. However, IRAP is not a referral partner for this program and cannot help in referrals of Afghans to the UK government. Instead, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will refer eligible refugees for this resettlement option. If you have questions about the program for Afghan refugees you should reach out to UNHCR. 

The remainder of this article will focus on the Palestinian resettlement program. Since this is a new program, we will be updating this article as more information becomes available. 

Note on the Palestinian Right of Return

IRAP believes Palestinians deserve the same right to safety and security as everyone else, including the right to stay safely in their homes, return to their homes, and the ability to seek safe resettlement as refugees.

International law recognizes the Right of Return for forcibly displaced Palestinians. IRAP also recognizes that right and believes it is important to respect Palestinians’ decision to seek resettlement pathways while still maintaining the Right of Return.

Resettlement through this program is generally available only to the most vulnerable refugees and is not intended for all Palestinians in Jordan and Lebanon. The program focuses on extremely vulnerable refugees whose lives have become unsustainable in Jordan or Lebanon and for whom resettlement has become the only option while return remains out of reach.

Resettlement is a voluntary and individual choice and should never be equated with, or used for, ethnic cleansing. While conditions in host countries may influence this choice, people referred under this program will be able to decide if resettlement is the best choice for them and their families. IRAP cannot and will not make this decision on clients' behalf. 

How can people apply to the resettlement program?

There is no direct application to this resettlement program. Individuals will be referred to IRAP by partner organizations on the basis of urgent humanitarian need. 

Can UNRWA or UNHCR send my application to the UK government?

Currently, IRAP is the only non-governmental organization (NGO) responsible for this program. Neither United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East  (UNRWA) nor United National High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) can refer cases directly to the UK government under this program.

How does the process work?

If you are potentially eligible for this program, IRAP will do interviews with you in order to determine your eligibility, as well as your protection needs, vulnerabilities or resettlement needs. If IRAP believes you are eligible for the program, IRAP will refer you to the UK government who will conduct security and background checks and make a final decision on your resettlement to the UK.

Are there any fees associated with this program? 

No. This program is entirely free of charge. Neither IRAP, nor any of our referral partners, will ever ask for any payment, incentive, or compensation for any legal assistance, case consideration, or referral. All of IRAP's services are free of charge.

If anyone asks you for money in exchange for submitting a referral to IRAP, please do not engage with this person and immediately report it to fraudalert@refugeerights.org. If anyone claims to work for IRAP and asks for money in exchange for submitting a referral to the UK government, please do not engage with this person and immediately report it to fraudalert@refugeerights.org.

We have received reports of fraudulent activity in connection with this program – please exercise caution and report all concerns to fraudalert@refugeerights.org.

How long is the process?

IRAP does not yet know how long the process will take. This includes not knowing the length of any step of the process, from IRAP identifying eligible applicants to the UK government making a final decision on entry to the UK. 

How many people will be considered for resettlement under the program?

IRAP expects to refer a small number of highly urgent cases to this program. IRAP does not know how many people the UK government will accept under the Palestinian resettlement program. This is ultimately a decision for the UK government and depends on funding as well as local authorities’ capacity. According to the Home Secretary’s announcement, it is estimated that resettlement across the government’s various resettlement and community sponsorship programs will initially be in the hundreds. 

Should I travel to Jordan or Lebanon to be considered for the program?

We do not encourage individuals to undertake dangerous journeys to Jordan and Lebanon in the hope of applying to the program, as referral numbers are limited, applications cannot be submitted directly to IRAP, and the outcome is not guaranteed.

When will the resettlement program start?

The resettlement program officially started on October 27, 2026. IRAP plans to start sending referrals to the UK government in November 2026 and will continue to refer cases on an ongoing basis. 

What other resettlement options are available for Palestinian refugees?

IRAP has a guide on other resettlement options for Palestinians here.