Call to help young asylum seekers.

Appeal to house young asylum seekers

Perth and Kinross residents are being urged to open their doors to young asylum seekers.

Council bosses have put out an appeal on social media for people who might be willing to welcome an unaccompanied individual under the age of 18 into their homes.

It comes after the authority committed to taking up to 20 asylum seekers through the UK Government’s national transfer scheme last June.

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “We are looking for people who are willing to provide a home for a young person who will need care and support given their specific circumstances.

“They need people who are willing to offer a safe, welcoming and nurturing home.

“The length of placement will vary dependent on the immigration status and age of the young person.

“While it is not possible to judge how many people will come to the open evening, we hope there will be interest.”

The spokesperson could not say where the young people would be coming from, or what payments would be available to people who step forward.

To be recognised as an unaccompanied asylum seeking child (UASC), a young person must be under the age of 18, after which their immigration status is reviewed.

Decisions on whether or not an individual gets permission to remain in the UK are made by the Home Office.

The spokesperson added: “It is hoped that the young people will be given sufficient time to enable them to feel confident about a move into independence and/or returning home.

“The recruitment for supported lodgings providers is in addition to, and does not take away from, the resources required to support young people who are residents of Perth and Kinross.”

The Perth event will be held on October 22, from 5pm until 7pm, at 68-86 Scott Street.

“They need people who are willing to offer a safe, welcoming and nurturing home.

PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL SPOKESPERSON

The council’s headquarters.