Scottish Government Finds Money To Support Refugee Integration

20th April 2024

Refugees and people seeking asylum who live in Scotland will be supported to settle into local communities through new funding for Scottish Refugee Council.

Scottish Government funding of £3.6 million will support Scottish Refugee Council's Refugee Support Service, which helps people access health, housing, welfare and employment support. It also provides information and resources, as well as encouraging social connections.

The funding will ensure this support can continue, after EU funding the service had previously received came to an end in 2023.

Migration and Refugees Minister Emma Roddick said:

"Scotland welcomes refugees and people seeking asylum. Supporting them to settle into communities from day one of arrival, and ensuring they can access information and advice, is key to helping people integrate successfully.

"This Scottish Government funding will ensure that Scottish Refugee Council can continue their vital work to help people begin to rebuild their lives here, particularly as EU funding is no longer available to the service after Brexit.

"Respect and compassion underpin our approach to supporting people displaced by conflict or other circumstances beyond their control. While the UK Government pursues harmful policies on asylum and immigration, we will continue to do everything we can to mitigate their impact."

Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Refugee Council, Sabir Zazai said:

"We welcome this timely investment in a Scotland-wide Refugee Support Service to ensure people seeking protection across Scotland feel welcomed and supported and can start rebuilding their lives in their new communities.

"This integrated service will be available and accessible to everyone who needs it, wherever in the country they are based.

"With a focus on collaboration and partnership, we will work with local authorities, grassroots organisations and communities to build a better future for refugees and people seeking asylum. This approach builds on our extensive expertise of delivering vital integration services over the years.

"Scotland is known around the world for being a warm and welcoming country. We look forward to building on this proud reputation in the coming years as we aim to make Scotland the best place for refugees to thrive, challenge injustice, achieve their ambitions and empower their communities, no matter where they have come from or how they arrived."

The Refugee Support Service supports refugees, people seeking asylum and other groups of displaced people. More information, including on how to access advice and support, can be found on Scottish Refugee Council's website

The Scottish Government is supporting the service with £3.6 million in funding for the financial year 2024/25.

This announcement follows the publication of the updated New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy last month.