The term ‘safe routes’ is used a lot in immigration debates. But there is a lack of clarity around what that means or what they would look like in reality. 

Routes available to migrants, including refugees and people seeking asylum, are limited and only available to very select groups. As of January 2025, these include the Ukraine Scheme visas ( Ukraine Family, Sponsorship, and Extension Schemes), British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visas, resettlement schemes, and Family Reunion visas.

Meanwhile, there has been a call for similar schemes to the Ukraine Scheme to be implemented for more nationalities. 

“In my tiny boat, there were about 45 people. Some people got sea sick and had panic attacks. People were vomiting and fainting. We got lost in the sea for hours trying to navigate. We almost lost hope but luckily we were spotted by a rescue boat.”

“I don’t know how they did it with Ukraine but I like that approach. All I know is that Ukrainians got better treatment than us.”

What would safe routes in a borderless world look like?

Coming soon.