Support for resettled refugees
The Syrian Vulnerable People's Resettlement Scheme was announced by the Home Secretary on 29 January 2014. It is designed to provide assistance to Syrians who have fled to neighbouring countries as a result of the current crisis and who are particularly vulnerable.
Coventry joined the scheme in July 2014, and since then we have become one of the leading cities in the UK for the resettlement of refugees.
In October 2016 Coventry joined the Vulnerable Children's Resettlement Scheme. This scheme focuses on the resettlement of vulnerable children and their immediate families from the Middle East and North Africa. This scheme is run in the same way as the Syrian VPR scheme.
In March 2021, the VPRS and VCRS have been replaced by the UKRS. The UK Resettlement Scheme has a geographical focus beyond the Middle East and North Africa region.
In August 2021 the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, (ARAP) was introduced to relocate and assist Afghan nationals who worked for or were associated with the UK government and military during their presence in Afghanistan. This scheme aims to offer protection and support to those who are at risk due to their connection with the UK.
In January 2022 the government introduced the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) as part of the UK government's response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of international forces. It specifically targets Afghan nationals who are at risk due to their association with the UK government, including interpreters, embassy staff, and others who supported British operations in Afghanistan. The scheme provides eligible individuals and their families with the opportunity to relocate to the UK, where they can access housing, healthcare, education, and other support services to help them rebuild their lives in safety.
The ARAP and ACRS reflect the UK's commitment to fulfilling its duty of care to those who served alongside British forces in Afghanistan.
As of May 2024, over 1300 refugees have been welcomed into the city under these schemes.
We will continue to work closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to target those in greatest need of assistance, including people requiring urgent medical treatment, survivors of violence and torture, and women and children at risk. UNHCR is uniquely placed to identify those living in formal refugee camps, informal settlements and host communities who would benefit most from resettlement to the UK.
Coventry City Council leads a partnership of organisations throughout the city, in order to deliver this programme. Our key partners are Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, St Francis of Assisi Church (Radford), FWT - a centre for women and Positive Youth Foundation.
How do the schemes work?
The UK Home Office is responsible for setting the criteria under which people are resettled into the UK and oversees the schemes. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) submits potential cases for the Home Office to consider. Once a case has passed this initial stage, the International Organisation for Migration (IoM) will conduct a full medical examination. Case files including this information are then sent to participating local authorities for consideration on the grounds of medical needs, availability of accommodation, and the potential impact on local services.
How many people will come to Coventry?
The City Council has committed to resettling 125 people per year. This stems from the Home Secretary announcing on 17 June 2019 the government's commitment to resettle up to 5,000 of the world's most vulnerable refugees in the UK within the first year of the scheme.
In recent times the pledge to resettle 125 individuals has been focused on supporting ARAP and ACRS clients. This effort is part of the UK Government's broader commitment to aiding Afghan nationals who collaborated with the UK government or are otherwise at risk under the Taliban regime. The scheme aims to provide safety and a fresh start for those fleeing Afghanistan, particularly those who have worked directly with British forces and now face significant threats.
How are the schemes funded?
Funding for Resettlement schemes is provided by the Home Office.
What is the impact on housing and other services in Coventry?
The Home Office provides funding to secure private rented accommodation, ensuring that the City Council's existing housing stock is not utilized. As a result, social housing waiting lists remain unaffected.
Coventry schools will receive a grant for each child attending under the resettlement schemes. This funding is designed to support the children's education and integration into the UK school system, while also mitigating any potential strain on school budgets.
Due to the difficult situations that the families have experienced whilst fleeing their home countries, trauma support and other mental health support is offered to clients via a bespoke team ensuring that the wider city's resources are not impacted.
