Scotland has a long history of welcoming people who’ve had to flee their homes due to lack of safety and seek asylum here. Scotland is famous for its cheery hospitality and warm welcoming locals; the country is dedicated to making the world a better place to be, one smile at a time.
When it’s not safe at home
Refugees are people who aren’t safe in their home countries and seek refuge away from danger. They’ve been forced to flee their lives, belongings and often families due to conflict, war, violence or persecution. To try and save their lives these people cross an international borderline into safety.
People may have been evacuated due to war and other crises, often from countries including Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine.
Government programmes
The Scottish Government works with our neighbours across the globe to offer a supporting arm during humanitarian crises. In response to mounting levels of unrest in Syria, in 2015, the United Kingdom’s Syrian Resettlement Programme was set up. The Scottish Government committed to welcome 20,000 refugees, a proportionate number of refugees coming to the UK, over the following five years. Scotland’s vast and rural landscape makes a wonderful home for new Scottish communities which meant that by the end of 2017, we’d surpassed the target we promised, three years ahead of schedule.
We’re delighted that our local councils still accept the placement of refugees under the Syrian Resettlement Programme, and we continue to welcome people to their new home, promising a better and safer life for families at their most scared and vulnerable. Together we’re playing a critical role in ensuring these displaced families have a new place to call home and a chance to start over again.
New Scots
People granted refugee status by the government can access work, healthcare, schools, housing and benefits. Refugees who have settled in Scotland have become part of our communities. They are our work colleagues, our neighbours and our friends.
Forth Valley Welcome supports New Scots to integrate into their new community, providing basic necessities, household items, toys for children and emotional and practical support.
Find out more about how you can help here.
