Why are the number of refugees being resettled in the UK at the lowest level?
- Only 766 refugees resettled in the UK in the year ending September 2023.
- Findings reveal delays and restrictions for refugee family reunion visas.
- Home Office report on ‘safe and legal routes’ criticized by campaigners.
What does the Refugee Council report reveal?
- Decline in the two main safe routes for refugees operated by the UK.
- Sharp fall in resettlement numbers with dangerous Channel crossings rising.
- Government falls short of pledge to resettle 5,000 refugees in the first year.
What are the challenges highlighted by the report?
- Increasing delays and backlog in the UK’s refugee family reunion regime.
- No new safe routes or improvements offered by the Government’s report.
- Inadequate engagement process for stakeholders in relation to Government proposals.
The Refugee Council calls on the UK government to increase refugee resettlement through safe routes and reform existing policies. Recommendations include establishing ambitious commitments, investing in community sponsorship, and creating a new refugee visa. These expansions aim to provide alternatives to dangerous Channel crossings and combat the business model of people smugglers. CEO Enver Solomon stresses the urgency of expanding safe routes to protect those fleeing war and perscutuation.
Source: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk