New report shows refugees could bring £1.2 billion to British economy
It's calling on the government to allow better integration.
A new report's been released calling on the Government to allow better refugee integration, highlighting how across the UK refugees could contribute around £1.2 billion to the economy.
It's released on the same day the scheme to send refugees to Rwanda is set to be debated in Parliament.
The report by the Commission on the Integration of Refugees, reveals that if just two of the Commission’s recommendations are implemented, the benefits will outweigh costs within three years, and by the end of year five produce an overall net economic benefit of £1.2 billion to the wider UK Economy.
The two related report recommendations call for the provision of free English language classes from arrival, and employment support from six months, alongside the government meeting its target to process asylum applications within six months.
A landmark event in the West Midlands is being used to highlight how refugees can contribute to the economy and how their skills and knowledge can help fill the job shortage.
Houssem is an engineer from Tunisia and is just one of those learning vital skills to integrate in society and bring their skillset to the economy.
He's currently being supported by Brushstrokes in Sandwell.
"You'd rather do certain things like working, doing things in society. Living a normal life because doing nothing at home or in a hotel is bad for your mental health," he said.
The research, carried out by Neighbourly Lab, shows how 3 in 4 (76%) refugees said that not being able to use their skills or qualifications means they do not feel that they are contributing to society as much as they would like and 2 out of 3 (66%) said it has affected their self-confidence.
This is despite a third (33%) having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 1 in 4 (26%) have a master’s degree or equivalent.
The report also lobbies for the reinstatement of a UK Refugee Minister, and an independent reviewer of refugee affairs, which involves people with experience as refugees.