Safe routes

Tackling criminal gangs alone is not the answer. It’s just part of the equation.

To truly protect those fleeing war, violence and persecution, we need to offer something much more critical:

safe routes.

When people have no other options, they turn to dangerous, often deadly, alternatives.

We are calling for something simple - dignified routes that protect lives and uphold our commitments to justice.

It’s easy to point fingers at smugglers, but why are people risking everything in the first place? The truth is, without safe and accessible routes, those fleeing places like Syria, Eritrea, or Sudan have no other choice. They’re left in a desperate situation, where the dangers of crossing the Channel in a flimsy boat seem less terrifying than staying behind.

These journeys aren’t about reckless risk-taking - they are about survival. It’s clear that creating proper routes isn’t just morally right - it’s a practical necessity.

Safe routes Campaign Champion:

Rudy O Centeno Ortiz

We’re campaigning to create real, accessible routes for people seeking refuge.

The previous UK government often proudly highlighted the availability of multiple safe routes, such as the Afghan schemes, the Hong Kong visa and the Ukraine scheme. While these are important measures, they are limited and apply only to specific groups. The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy have provided pathways for some Afghans at risk, but even these routes were narrow and had resettled fewer people than initially intended. For many fleeing conflicts in other regions, such as Africa and the Middle East, there are still no accessible options, leaving them vulnerable to smugglers.

If we want to stop these dangerous crossings, we must create safe routes that work.

This isn’t just about policies - it’s about saving lives. Every time a person is forced into the hands of a smuggler, it’s because the system has failed them. Safe routes are not a luxury - they are a lifeline.

We have a legal and moral obligation to protect those fleeing danger. Our campaign for safe routes is about restoring that responsibility and providing people with the chance for safety and dignity.

TAKE ACTION:
Sign the petition to call on the UK government to create safe routes for refugees.

A lifeline,
not a luxury

Imagine a system where those seeking asylum no longer face journeys across dangerous waters, but instead follow a clear and humane path to safety.

Picture a Humanitarian Visa - a practical, dignified solution that allows people to apply from outside the UK, ensuring their claim is assessed without risking their lives or relying on smugglers. For those with strong cases, a visa would be granted, allowing them safe entry into the UK, where their claim could be fully resolved. And in the most straightforward cases, refugee status could be granted based solely on the application.

This system would not only ease the overwhelming backlog but would allow government officials to focus their efforts on more complex cases. It’s a solution that brings order where there is currently chaos. Think of it: a visa scheme that mirrors successful models like those for Ukraine and Hong Kong, where individuals apply from outside the country, knowing they have a clear, legal route to safety.

No more dangerous crossings. No more exploitation by traffickers. Just a system that works - efficient, compassionate and fair.

But this alone is not enough. We can go further by expanding family reunification, making it easier for those already in the UK to bring extended family members here safely. And imagine regional processing centers, set up in partnership with countries like France, where people can begin their asylum applications before stepping foot on UK soil.

This isn’t just about ticking boxes or meeting quotas - it’s about offering people a genuine chance at rebuilding their lives. UK could proudly offer a system that reflects its moral duty and international obligations, protecting those in need while bringing order to the asylum process.