The Facts
- The families are currently in a United Nations Refugee Camp in a country adjacent to Syria.
- They are not economic migrants, but have fled for their lives from the conflict in Syria.
- The central budget (provided by the EU) covers costs for the first year. We are seeking assurances from the Government that should there be additional costs after that, they will be met by the Government.
- Pilot schemes have operated successfully within the budget in other areas of the UK.
- One or two families will arrive at a time. They arrive as a family unit and they are given leave to remain for 5 years, after which their case is reviewed. Where possible, they will live with private landlords.
- So far the UK has accepted only 187 applicants via the scheme, Switzerland has accepted 3,500, Sweden 2,700, Ireland 610.
- Switzerland 3,500
- Sweden 2,700
- Ireland 610
- UK 187
The scheme is designed to discourage dependency and to encourage empowerment.
This is Malvern’s opportunity to help a small number of desperate people and to be an inspiring example of welcome and inclusiveness.
