Government support for refugees
Many people ask what is the difference between people supported by Government schemes and other asylum seekers or undocumented migrants.
To be eligible for one of the Government schemes people will have gone through an application process in their country of origin before coming to the UK. In effect the people who come in under the scheme are those which the Government considers the most vulnerable or where they have a duty (as in the case of the Afghans) to help people fleeing war or persecution.
Someone who is claiming asylum has made it into this country and has to go through a different process without the recourse to public funds. There are many groups who support asylum seekers and Worcester Welcomes supports all they do.
​
UKRS - United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme
Who is it for?
What support do they get?
What does the Welcome groups do with this group?
The UKRS is to support the most vulnerable refugees fleeing conflict. It currently accepts people from Syria, but could include people from Iraq and other places. Refugees under this scheme are often in Refugee Camps, for example in Jordan and once they have been accepted onto this scheme they are flown directly to the UK once suitable accommodation has been found.
Government, through local councils, provides a tapered programme of support over 5 years including English as a second language teaching, employment support etc.
Ultimately the support from Government cannot help in basic ways such as the need for transport in the early days to hospital appointments, chaperoning to hospital, regular interaction with English speakers, providing the essentials for making a house a home, walking alongside people to help assimilate them into the place they are going to live.
ARAP - Afghan Relocation and Assistance Scheme
Who is it for?
What support do they get?
What does the Welcome groups do with this group?
The ARAP Scheme is only for those Afghans who worked for the British Government - British Forces Interpreters, Afghan Special Forces, Embassy workers, Security Guards, and a whole range of other roles.
They will have indefinite leave to remain in this country which means they are not classed as refugees. They are likely to have at least one person in the household who speaks at least basic English. Currently they will receive 12 months support to settle and find employment.
Whilst the families get some support from Government the Welcome Groups help to make sure they have all the items for a home when they move in, help with transport and chaperoning initially for health appointments etc. We also help with english practice and walking alongside people to help assimilate them into the place they are going to live.
ACRA - Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme - NOTE: This has only just been announced and there are few details on how it will work
Who is it for?
What support do they get?
What does the Welcome groups do with this group?
Unclear at the moment
Whilst the families get some support from Government the Welcome Groups help to make sure they have all the items for a home when they move in, help with transport and chaperoning initially for health appointments etc. We also help with english practice and walking alongside people to help assimilate them into the place they are going to live.