Refugee Resettlement and Migration Service

Google Translate widget (opens new window)

What we are doing in Wiltshire

The Refugee Resettlement and Migration service aims to support vulnerable refugee families with their resettlement in the UK and consists of multiple schemes.

UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS)

Since the decision made by full council on 29 September 2015 to participate in the GOV.UK: Vulnerable Persons and Vulnerable Children's Resettlement Schemes Factsheet, March 2021 (opens new window) (VPRS) which came to an end in 2021, Wiltshire has continued support for refugees and has gone on to further participate in the UK resettlement scheme (UKRS GOV.UK: Policy paper Resettlement - policy guidance (opens new window)) which was established in place of VPRS.

The Home Office established UKRS to identify the most vulnerable refugees who have been assessed for resettlement by the United Nations and expand the previous geographical focus beyond the Middle East and North Africa for vulnerable families in need of resettlement. This scheme currently remains open and offers a safe and legal route to vulnerable refugees in need of protection.

Afghan evacuees

In preparation for the withdrawal of UK troops in Afghanistan, the Home Office established the GOV.UK: Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy - further information on eligibility criteria, offer details and how to apply (opens new window) on the 1 April 2021 which remains open. Afghan citizens who are eligible for relocation to the UK under the ARAP may relocate with a partner, dependent children and additional family members who are also deemed eligible for relocation under the ARAP by the Ministry of Defence and suitable for relocation by the Home Office.

ARAP operates alongside the GOV.UK: Guidance Afghan citizens resettlement scheme (opens new window) which launched on the 6 January 2022 and also remains open. The scheme aims to prioritise those who have assisted the UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for values such as democracy, women's rights, freedom of speech, and rule of law.

Wiltshire is currently working alongside our Ministry of Defence partners to resettle these families.

Support for Ukraine

Wiltshire is actively supporting Homes for Ukraine scheme which was launched on 14 March 2022. The Homes for Ukraine scheme provides a route for Ukrainian nationals forced the flee the war in Ukraine to come to the UK and allows individuals to sponsor named people from Ukraine and help them to find accommodation.

Ukrainian guests can live and work in the UK for up to 3 years and access benefits, healthcare, employment, and other support.

For more information, please visit our Support for Ukraine page.

What you can do to help

Volunteers

The Refugee Resettlement and Migration team relies heavily on the contributions of our committed volunteers. There are currently more than 35 individuals providing volunteer support to refugee families across Wiltshire with over 250 involved since 2015.

To find out more, email refugees@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).