230 Afghan refugees given sanctuary in Wales

Fifty families who fled Taliban rule in Afghanistan have now been given sanctuary in Wales

The Afghan nationals supported our Armed Forces during the 20-year war.

Now, as part of Wales's Nation of Sanctuary vision, 230 individuals have arrived to make a new life for themselves here.

The Welsh Government says it's been a ‘Team Wales’ approach working alongside local councils, the MoD, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, and refugee support organisations.

Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said:

“Today, we welcome the families and individuals that have served our country in Afghanistan. We have made clear our pledge of Wales being a Nation of Sanctuary and we’re committed to do all that is possible to ensure Afghan interpreters, refugees and their families are welcomed.

“Wales is a Nation of Sanctuary – we will do all we can to provide a warm welcome in the short-term and our communities will, no doubt, be enriched by their skills and experiences in the very near future.

“All local authorities in Wales are participating in these schemes and have offered their support and assistance to the Afghan citizens who are being resettled in the UK. I want to thank all of our partners in this collaborative Nation of Sanctuary approach to coordinate this significant undertaking.

“I also want to place on record my particular thanks to Urdd Gobaith Cymru for having the humanitarian vision to ensure we can provide a distinctly Welsh welcome for our new Afghan friends.”