Scottish Government pledges extra £1.6 million to help refugees

The Scottish Government has announced a £1.6 million investment in refreshing the country’s refugee integration strategy.

The New Scots refugee integration strategy was announced in 2018, with a lifespan that was due to end last year.

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland has a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities and faiths, including those seeking refuge from war and persecution.

“While continuing to support all refugees and people seeking asylum, in recent years we have seen two large-scale resettlement efforts from Afghanistan and Ukraine – with over 20,000 displaced people from Ukraine alone arriving in Scotland since February 2022 – and we have had to move quickly to get people the support they need to settle into their new communities.”

The funding will allow for public engagement events to be held across the country to understand the needs of refugees currently in Scotland.