Asylum Seeker Dispersal Programme
What is an asylum seeker
An asylum seeker is a person who has applied for asylum under the 1951 Refugee Convention on the Status of Refugees. This is on the understanding that if they are returned to their country of origin they have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political belief or membership of a particular social group.
They remain an asylum seeker for so long as their application or an appeal against refusal of the application is pending.
How many asylum seekers will be entering the UK (refugee facts and figures).
Where asylum seekers are coming from
The top three countries of origin are: Eritrea (3,568), Pakistan (2,302) and Syria (2,204) (Source: Office for National Statistics Migration Statistics Quarterly Report, August 2015).
Why asylum seekers are leaving their country of origin
The top ten refugee producing countries in 2015 all have poor human rights records or on-going conflict. Asylum seekers are fleeing from these conflicts and abuses, looking for safety.
How we're helping asylum seekers
The Council is working with the Home Office on the Asylum Seeker Dispersal programme for an initial delivery of 15-20 properties over a 3 year period. The Asylum Seeker Dispersal programme will be delivered by the Governments delivery partner Serco.
Asylum seekers, refugees and migrants
We are working with our local partners to support individuals and families that could resettle in Cheshire East under one of the UK Government’s programmes.
Warrington, Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East have worked together to consider how best to welcome Syrian families and unaccompanied children. Whilst each local authority is working on its programme independently we are all sharing our learning to ensure that the correct support is given for those people looking to resettle within one of the local authority areas.
Asylum seeker dispersal programme
This programme is for those who arrive in the UK where their status is to be determined following the submission of an application for asylum. The Home Office have a contract with a service delivery partner to accommodate and support asylum seekers.
In the North West the delivery partner is Serco. Serco source and equip dispersal accommodation, including maintenance and payment of utility bills, and provide support to individuals to settle within the community whilst their application is assessed.
• read more about the asylum seeker dispersal programme
Syrian vulnerable person resettlement programme
The UK Government are taking part in the United Nations programme to resettle refugees who have fled from their home countries, including those affected by conflict or civil war.
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced on 7 September 2015 that the UK would accept up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next 5 years. This programme involves the relocation of families within the UK.
Unaccompanied children programme
All Councils have been asked to consider whether they are prepared to accept unaccompanied children on a voluntary dispersal basis by UK Government from Kent County Council.
More information
Many of our residents and partners, including local faith communities and voluntary services, have been in touch with us to share their support for those seeking asylum and fleeing their home country.
There is a real spirit of partnership in wanting to offer our collective Boroughs support and we very much welcome the offers of assistance.
These pages are constantly being updated as we understand more about each programme. Please check back regularly for more updates.
Page last reviewed: 06 June 2024
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