Refugees in Hamilton
Two new Syrian refugee families arrive in Hamilton
Two new refugee families fleeing war-ravaged Syria arrived in Hamilton this week.
The latest arrivals bring the total number of refugee families to be rehoused in the area to three.
Council Leader Eddie Mcavoy warmly welcomed them to South Lanarkshire as they bid to build new lives.
Two new refugee families fleeing war-torn Syria have been resettled in the Hamilton area this week.
As well as the Hamilton arrivals there was another one in Rutherglen.
This brings the total number of Syrian refugee families to have arrived safely in South Lanarkshire to seven.
A South Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said the refugees have settled and integrated well into welcoming communities and continue to express their thanks and appreciation of the support they have had.
The three new families have arrived as part of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (SVPRS).
Eddie Mcavoy, South Lanarkshire Council Leader, said: “Our families who are settling here are being given a good Scots welcome and I am confident the three new families who arrived last week will enjoy the same experience and community support.
“Together with our community planning partners the council have pledged to help 60 individuals this year, which means 12 to 15 families will resettle here and make South Lanarkshire their home.”
The council say this is proportionate to the Scottish-wide commitment to settle 1000 people in the first year of the scheme.
Through their involvement in the SVPR Scheme the families have been prioritised as requiring either urgent medical treatment, are survivors of torture and violence, or women and children at risk.
Angela Crawley, MP for Lanark and Hamilton East, was happy to greet the new arrivals.
“I am delighted to welcome two Syrian refugee families to Hamilton,” she said.
“For hundreds of years Scotland has been proud to welcome refugees from around the world. So, today, we should be proud to carry on that reputation.
“These individuals have come from a place where hope and happiness are a distant memory – with many being displaced in large numbers and finding themselves stuck in the most horrendous conditions through no fault of their own.
“In Hamilton, our new neighbours and friends will find a place of safety, security and opportunity – and I know that, in typical fashion, our community will welcome them with customary hospitality.”
There continues to be an extended network of council and community planning partners, including health professionals, Department for Work and Pensions, voluntary sector, community and faith groups who provide ongoing support.
This includes housing, education, access to medical, dental and eye care and help to integrate into community life including English language training.
The overall cost of refugee resettlement is funded by Central Government using the Overseas Aid Budget.
Funding is paid directly to the council and NHS Lanarkshire through a grant agreement arrangement.
Robust and thorough screening processes through the Home Office are in place for refugees arriving in the UK .
Families are given humanitarian protection and have leave to remain in the UK for five years and qualify for full access to public assistance and funds.