03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

NEWPORT City Council has agreed to support the Afghan relocation scheme, but cannot confirm how many refugees they will support at this point.

The council said it will be welcoming its first family at the end of August, as part of their long-term commitment to supporting refugees arriving via Home Office resettlement schemes.

In a statement, the council said: “We are currently working to understand our capacity to assist so cannot confirm figures at this point.

“Newport has a long history of welcoming people seeking sanctuary and will continue to offer a place of safety for those fleeing conflict and persecution.”

Councils across Wales have agreed to offer homes to refugees fleeing Afghanistan.

The Welsh Government’s Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “The Welsh government is working very hard with our local authorities, and indeed with the UK government, to ensure that we can do what we can to provide support in the right places to find homes for people fleeing the situation in Afghanistan.”

Those eligible to resettle in the UK include Afghans who worked for the UK Government, those deemed to be at high or imminent risk, interpreters, cultural advisers, and embassy staff.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said on twitter: “We want Wales to be a Nation of Sanctuary and we’ll do everything we can to support evacuations from Afghanistan. We’re working with the Home Office and councils on preparations to support those who need it.”

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