9 March 2005
Refugees will be able to make a ‘full and positive contribution’ to society under new cross-government action.
Two strategies from the Home Office and Department of Work and Pensions have set out the rights and responsibilities of refugee status.
They both put an emphasis on helping newcomers to the UK to gain the skills needed so they can give something back to the community.
Speaking from an employment project in West London that helps get refugees into work, Immigration Minister Des Browne said:
"Britain has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing persecution and refugees have for many generations enriched our communities both culturally and economically.
"Our strategy sets out how we can ensure those granted refugee status are able to make a full contribution to the UK through work, civic responsibility and personal attainment."
Key elements of the Government’s plans include replacing automatic back payments of income support with a loan system targeted at helping integration.
There will also be a mentoring scheme to give new refugees intensive one-to-one support with a dedicated caseworker to help them find work.
Extra information
The Government’s Five Year Plan on immigration and asylum published last month set out tighter restrictions on permanent settlement in the UK.
It set out a new requirement that all those seeking to stay in the UK, as refugees or skilled migrants, will be required to pass tests on the English language and knowledge of the UK.
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