A service to help refugees and people seeking asylum integrate
into their local areas is being supported with £8 million in
funding over the next two and a half years.
Delivered by the Scottish Refugee Council, the Scotland-wide
integration support service will provide advice, information and
resources to help people fleeing war and persecution settle into
their new home.
This will build on the success of the previous grant-funded
Refugee Support Service for 2024/25 which supported more than
10,000 people from 113 countries to rebuild their lives here.
The new multi-year funded contract will run until March 2028 with
an option to extend for a further two years, enabling more people
to be supported.
Equalities Minister said:
“Our Programme for Government commits to a multi-year funded
service so refugees and people seeking asylum can access the
support they need, when they need it.
“Refugees and people seeking asylum are welcome in Scotland and
this service will support them to start rebuilding their lives
here.
“The Scottish Refugee Council has already provided incredible
support to refugees and people seeking asylum to help them work,
study and live in Scotland. I'm very pleased that these efforts
can continue through the service we're funding.”
Scottish Refugee Council chief executive Sabir Zazai said:
“We're delighted that our approach to building a better future
with refugees in Scotland has been recognised with this
investment, which will enable us to continue reaching those who
need our help, wherever in Scotland they are based.
“Last year, we worked with people seeking safety in 30 of
Scotland's 32 local authorities and connected hundreds of
communities across the country, helping them work together to
support and welcome New Scots.
“We're looking forward to building on this work and reaching even
more people seeking refugee protection in Scotland, providing
them with essential information, multilingual advice and
practical support.”
