Country Specific Admission Programs
I have heard about special programs set up by other countries to help Afghans who worked with or for those countries to travel to those countries. Can UNHCR Pakistan help me access these programs?
Some countries have established specific programs for Afghan nationals who have worked with or were affiliated with countries to apply for permission to travel to those countries. Please note that these programs are established by these countries, and UNHCR does not refer individuals to these programs, nor is it able to support, process or submit applications on behalf of individuals. The details of these programs can be found on the websites of the respective countries, such as the following:
US
The United States manages some opportunities for Afghan nationals who have worked or have been affiliated with the US government, military, NGO’s one media. Please visit the following sites from the US State Department for more details:
The UK Government has announced new sponsorship pathways that will enable refugees from specified countries to come to the UK. These schemes have been developed and are being implemented by the UK government.
Under the named sponsorship route, community groups and organisations will be able to sponsor eligible refugees to come to the UK. The refugee study route will enable participating universities and higher education institutions to sponsor refugee students. A further refugee work route will allow employers to sponsor refugees for employment opportunities.
For further information, including refugee and sponsor eligibility requirements, please visit the UK Government website: Refugee sponsorship routes – GOV.UK
The first arrivals under the named sponsorship and study routes are expected from autumn 2027. Applications for the work route are expected to open in spring 2027, with arrivals anticipated later that year. Further details will be provided by the UK government in due course.
UNHCR’s role in the schemes is limited to the verification of refugee status of those persons for whom a sponsorship application is submitted to the UK government. UNHCR does not have a role in the identification or referral of refugees under these schemes and is not involved in decisions regarding sponsorship applications, which will be made by the UK government. As a result, UNHCR is unable to respond to enquiries about UK sponsor eligibility, referrals and status of applications.