Birmingham to welcome 220 more Afghan refugees

Birmingham is set to welcome more than 200 more refugees from Afghanistan over the next two years, under plans going before the city council's cabinet.

The report, due to be considered on 14 December, recommends that the city accepts 110 refugees a year in 2022-23 and 2023-24, through the second phase of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy and the new Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

Interpreters already here

Earlier this year, following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, Birmingham welcomed 80 Afghan interpreters and their families under the first phase of the relocation scheme. Many of them had worked alongside British forces and faced danger because of it.

The report also seeks approval for around £1.6 million to support people arriving under the schemes during their first 12 months in the UK.

How the schemes are funded

Both schemes are funded by the Home Office, in the same way as previous resettlement programmes. Councils receive £20,500 per person to provide integration support, with extra funding for English language classes and education, and £2,600 per person goes to local health services. A national housing fund can also be used if families are affected by the benefit cap.

People arriving through the schemes are given indefinite leave to remain immediately, with full access to public funds. The pledge could be extended into 2024-25 and 2025-26 if the schemes remain open and funding does not substantially change.

"A compassionate city"

Councillor John Cotton, cabinet member for social inclusion, community safety and equalities, said: "As a City of Sanctuary and a Mi-Friendly City, Birmingham has already welcomed 80 Afghan interpreters and their families, and I am glad we are now seeking to welcome another 220 refugees over the next two years."

"Birmingham is a compassionate city and we will work with our partners to ensure that the new arrivals are made to feel welcome as they start to build new lives here."

But he called for more help from the government. "Refugees are vulnerable people in need of support and the Government must help the communities, towns and cities that welcome those fleeing war and persecution across the world," he said.

A city of sanctuary

Birmingham has a long record of welcoming people fleeing conflict. The city previously pledged to take 550 refugees under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, and 110 under the UK Resettlement Scheme.

Since 2015, the council's approach has been to commission services that help new arrivals integrate into their communities and settle into their new lives, from finding homes and registering with doctors to learning English and finding work.

Birmingham is recognised as a City of Sanctuary, part of a national movement of places committed to welcoming people seeking safety. The Afghan families arriving in the coming months will join a city with one of the most diverse populations in the country.