WATCH: Dingwall to take in Syrian refugees

Five Syrian refugee families are being given social housing priority in Dingwall where they’re expected to arrive early next year.

That’s when work will get underway to give the vulnerable foreign nationals English language lessons and get them into work.

A humanitarian crisis born out of conflict in Syria has forced these foreign nationals to flee their homeland, and now they're hoping to make a home in the Highlands where they will settle for the next five-years.

Their refugee visas will then expire and their situations will have to be reassessed before they're able to extend their stay in Scotland.

It's expected that up to 30-families will be resettled in the Highland council area over the coming months. Already nine have arrived in Alness and Lochaber.

Speaking on behalf of the Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Councillors, the Ross and Cromarty Civic Leader Cllr Margaret Paterson told MFR News: "Along with our partners, we have identified Dingwall as the area best suited to welcome the third group of Syrian refugees to Highland.

"As well as having available housing, schooling, health support and access to interpretation services, the town has a long history of making people feel welcome wherever they come from.

"The refugees coming have been through a tremendous ordeal and I am sure many individuals, voluntary groups, local businesses and organisations will want to help them settle in and will rally together to provide the support and hospitality that we are known across the world for.

WATCH: Police Scotland talks to MFR News about security concerns, and find out how the Syrians get into work

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, ACCORDING TO HIGHLAND COUNCIL:

How is Highland responding to the refugee crisis?

In autumn 2015, the UK Government announced that Britain will resettle 20,000 of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees by 2020. Highland Council made a commitment to resettle 25-30 Syrian refugee families in Highland. The local authority's working closely with the Home Office, a wide range of public sector partners and the Highland Third Sector Interface to take advantage of the generosity and commitment across the region to help resettle Syrians. Nine families have already been settled in Alness and Lochaber.

Who are the refugees?

The people coming to the UK under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement scheme (SVPRS) are in desperate need of assistance. The scheme prioritises those who cannot be supported effectively in their region of origin and includes women and children at risk, people in severe need of medical care and survivors of torture and violence amongst others. They come from the countries which border Syria, are not necessarily from refugee camps, and do not include people who have made their own way to Europe.

When will Syrian refugees arrive?

Five families were resettled in the Inner Moray Firth in summer 2016, and four more in Lochaber last spring. Highland Council officials and partner agencies are working closely with the Home Office in preparation to welcome further families. The right support is in place and the next families will arrive over the coming months. Those who are resettling have been through a tremendous ordeal and are vulnerable. It is vital they are given time and space to settle, with support from the professional services that we have put in place to meet their needs.

How long will they stay?

Refugees are granted a five year refugee visa. After five years their need to stay longer will be assessed depending on the situation in Syria.

What security checks will refugees have undergone?

When refugees arrive in the UK they have been through a thorough two-stage vetting process. The Home Office works closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which has its own robust identification processes in place. This includes the taking of biometrics (the distinctive, measurable characteristics used to describe individuals, for example, fingerprints, digital photo, documentary evidence and interviews. When potential cases are submitted by the UNHCR for consideration, they are screened and considered by the Home Office for suitability for entry to the UK. This includes the taking of further biometric data. The Home Office retain the right to reject individuals on security grounds, including where there is insufficient information to undertake effective screening.

Local services are already under pressure - surely this will make matters worse?

The numbers of refugees who will be arriving in Highland as part of this scheme is very small compared to the ebbs and flows of the overall population of Highland. The local authority's considered the capacity of local services when deciding how many refugees the council could offer to bring here. These numbers will not create a noticeable impact on access to local services and experience has shown the administration that refugees have had a positive effect on local communities.

In light of the Council’s budget pressures, who is funding the resettlement of Syrian refugees?

The Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme provides funding for the full costs of resettlement in the first year, including the cost of providing additional support required. Local authorities will also receive funding from central Government for years 2-5 of the resettlement programme. These funds have been diverted from the Foreign Office’s overseas aid fund, not the Highland Council.

How will refugee children have their educational needs met?

Children will be placed, wherever possible, in their catchment school according to their local address and will be integrated into the life of the school as quickly as possible.

Are refugees entitled to free NHS treatment?

Yes. Refugees are entitled to register with a GP and a dentist, and to receive treatment in NHS hospitals free of charge.

How will the refugees’ health be assessed?

Shortly after arrival refugees will register with a local general practice and be assessed as any new patient would be on registration.

Can refugees claim benefits?

Yes. They can claim most benefits. They will also be subject to the same restrictions as other residents, so they can be sanctioned and are subject to the benefit cap.

Where will they live?

It is an area where there is suitable housing available, spaces in schools, and there is sufficient capacity within the local health facilities. The families will be housed within social housing stock.

Why has Inner Moray Firth been chosen to host families?

It is considered that the families need to be settled into an area with good transport links, access to local services and support networks. Inner Moray Firth can offer all of these, but other locations will be looked at as the scheme is further rolled out.

Will these people get preferential treatment for housing?

Highland Council will be awarding priority for people for housing based on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme and acknowledging the fact that they are vulnerable, destitute and homeless.

Will their houses be furnished?

Their homes will be furnished to the same void standard as all other potential council tenants’ homes. Any soft furnishings and other household items will have been donated by the third sector and local communities.

Can they work?

Yes, they have the right to work. Highland Council's experience has shown that they come with a wide variety of skills and specialisms, and are very keen to work as soon as possible as this helps them integrate and improve their English. Initially, to help them gain the skills, experience and knowledge to operate in the British workplace, the local authority is keen to find voluntary work placements for them. If you have a business and would be interesting in hosting one or more individuals for a short placement, please get in touch:

email info@highlandtsi.org.uk or telephone 01349 864289