Refugees urged to get involved in integration strategy

Refugees have been called on to make their voice heard on a new national refugee integration strategy published for consultation by the Home Office today.

The strategy, 'Integration Matters', which is open for consultation for three months, sets out the government's long term plans to help recognised refugees integrate into the fabric of UK society.

The plans will be supported by £5.5 million of new funding for refugee support projects and networks. Separately a further £1.5 million will help provide asylum seekers with the opportunity to "give something back to their host communities" while they are waiting for their asylum decision.

The new funding will go to a range of projects including: a construction project in Glasgow where refugees are learning a trade and building their own accommodation in previously run down areas of the city; a project in London helping refugee women develop vocational skills in childcare and break the barriers of unemployment; and a project in North West England that matches the skills and abilities of refugees to local volunteering opportunities.

The refugee integration strategy specifically outlines government proposals to: offer new refugees an intensive 28 day one-to-one programme to help find work, arrange housing and encourage civic engagement and voluntary work; introduce a new loan system for refugees to help them integrate; and foster refugee involvement in communities by increasing funding for local refugee projects.

Immigration Minister, Des Browne said: "Britain has a proud heritage of welcoming refugees who contribute immensely to their host countries from Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud to Sir Alex Issigonis, designer of the mini car. Refugees have skills, talents and enthusiasm which can be real strengths if we can help them make the most of them. But in order to give their best, they have to be able to integrate effectively and quickly.

"The strategy builds on the progress we have already made and sets out how we aim to push forward our refugee integration agenda. This is an important area of work and we want people to contribute and make their voice heard."

The strategy will be supported by several funding streams, including £3 million from the Home Office Challenge Fund for refugees which will go to 79 community projects. The Challenge Fund is now in its fourth year and supports projects that address the specific integration needs of refugee communities.

A recent skills audit of asylum seekers found that almost of those surveyed had received 10 years or more education, and over 40% held qualifications before arriving in the UK.

(gmcg)