Scotland To Welcome 350 Refugees By Christmas
The Scottish Government says it will receive a third of the refugees arriving in the UK before Christmas
Scotland’s expected to welcome around 350 refugees before Christmas.
A taskforce – set up in the wake of the humanitarian crisis – has met for the final time before their arrival.
Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf says Scotland’s well prepared:
Mr Yousaf, who chairs the meeting, has offered to visit local authorities expected to receive refugees to discuss their arrangements and preparations, and engage with local communities on the importance of their role in the integration process.
“I realise that local authorities have already gone to great lengths to prepare themselves but I will be looking to visit them to discuss their arrangements and offer them support and advice if they feel it beneficial.
“It has been heart-warming and inspiring to see the positive reaction from people all over Scotland and local communities will play a crucial role in the integration of these refugees. We cannot underestimate the importance of local engagement in response to what is an international crisis.
“Scotland is a caring and compassionate country and we have worked with our partners to provide a welcoming environment for those refugees.
“Areas such as local government, housing, health services, language support, transport and social services are crucial to this, and the taskforce has worked to ensure these services are ready.”