UK resettlement scheme to reopen following coronavirus delays
The UK’s Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme is set to re-open in early 2021 but its extended closure leaves the country short of meeting the programme’s target.
Then Prime Minister, David Cameron, pledged in 2015 that Britain would resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees under the scheme by the end of Parliament in 2020.
The number of people resettled through the scheme currently stands at 19,768, according to government data.
This figure has remained unchanged since March 12, when resettlement programmes were suspended due to coronavirus restrictions.
Head of advocacy at Refugee Council, Andy Hewett said: “Given that business and leisure flights have taken place during the pandemic, we don’t feel that a protracted pause on resettlement can be justified.
“Many European states have restarted their resettlement programmes so we’re urgently calling for similar action from our Government.”
An additional 1,826 children have been resettled under the Vulnerable Children's Resettlement Scheme since it began in 2016, while the Gateway Protection Programme has resettled 7,403 people since 2010.
The postponement of these programmes means no refugees have gained access to the UK through safe and legal means in the second or third quarters of 2020.
This compares to the same period in 2019 when 2,808 people were resettled and results in a 60% drop when comparing the 12 months to September for the two years.
Head of resettlement at Refugee Action, Louise Calvey, said: “While coronavirus halted the resettlement programme, and rightly so, the Government has wasted far too much time restarting it.
“The Government's delay left 600 refugees, some of whom were just days away from boarding flights to the UK, stranded in precarious situations in Beirut and elsewhere."
Since the UK’s resettlement programs have been closed, the country has still granted asylum to 2,161 people and humanitarian protection to 278.
Minister of State, Baroness Williams of Trafford, announced the 2021 planned resumption of VPRS in the House of Lords on November 9 but made no mention to other UK schemes.
This includes the new UK Resettlement Scheme which was due to begin in April 2020 and is intended to combine the VPRS, VCRS, and Gateway programmes.
Refugee Action has raised concerns regarding the way Home Office Ministers have remained tight-lipped about commitments to resettle 5,000 refugees in 2020-21 under UKRS.
“While restarting resettlement and completing the VPRS is welcome news, refugees outside of those affected through the Syrian conflict covered by the VCRS and Gateway schemes still have no route to resettlement to the UK,” Calvey said.
“We’re calling on the Government to start its UKRS programme and honour its commitment, even if it has to extend its deadline."
Some good news about the restart of resettlement from @SusanBaroness in the House of Lords today pic.twitter.com/5Vs1J2khQT
— Reset (@ResetUKorg) November 9, 2020
She added: “Local authorities, refugee organisations, and charities are ready to welcome people and the funding is in place.
“The restarting of the VPRS scheme shows the Government is confident this can be Covid-secure.
“The only piece of the puzzle that’s missing is the political will to finish it.”
Baroness William’s announcement comes after a letter was sent to Priti Patel by 16 London councils urging the resumption of UK resettlement programmes.
The letter argues the pausing of resettlement arrivals has created cash-flow shortages for local authorities and has led to service closures.
“[Councils] will only be able to offset these costs once arrivals recommence and corresponding funding from the Home Office is released,” Calvey said.
“This is not a one-way street. We must not underestimate the immense contribution refugees make to their communities.
“It’s also important to say the money that funds resettlement is spent in local communities.”
Resettled to the UK under VPRS in 2019, George, said: "You hear of war, but you think of it as something that's really distant and that will never happen to you.
"Then the war started here."
He continued: “When I first arrived [in the UK], I faced huge challenges.
“Now I'm in love with London."
In addition to the conflict, George was faced with personal attacks that accelerated his decision to leave his country.
“I’m openly gay – my parents actually know I’m gay. I had to be careful in my community.”
“When the war started, there was a lot of brain-washing. Someone who used to be my friend threatened then shot me.
“At this point, I had to leave.”
George left for Turkey in 2013, two years into the conflict, and after being subjected to homophobic abuse.
He lived in Turkey for nearly seven years where he rebuilt his life, including a successful career and a relationship.
Further homophobic attacks in Istanbul made him realise he would never be safe there and led him to apply for resettlement to the UK.
“I’m concentrating on settling down and starting to build my future. I need it, I need the security.
“I cannot just sit down and think about the past. I will never be a victim. I’m not a victim.”
January 2014The Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme is established. Between then and September 2015 the scheme resettled 239 refugees.
September 7 2015Then Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced the expansion of the VPRS program with a pledge to resettle up to 20,000 Syrian refugees by the end of Parliament in 2020.
April 2016 The UK government announced the Vulnerable Children's Resettlement Scheme with a target to resettle up to 3,000 children over the course of the Parliament.
March 2017 Up to the end of 2017's first quarter, more than 7,000 people had been resettled under the Syrian Resettlement Programme. Half were children.
July 2017 The Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme is expanded to include refugees fleeing the Syrian conflict but who do not have Syrian nationality.
June 17 2019 Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced a new UK Resettlement Scheme with the aim to resettle 5,000 refugees per year. This scheme would combine VPRS, VCRS, and the Gateway Protection Programme.
March 12 2020All UK resettlement programmes were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. This meant safe and legal routes of asylum to the country were no longer an option.
April 2020 New UK Resettlement Scheme which will combine the VPRS, VCRS and the Gateway scheme was intended to begin. It was delayed due to coronavirus restrictions.
June 19 2020 UNHCR and IOM announced the resumption of resettlement departures for refugees. They claimed up to 10,000 refugees have had departures delayed by Covid-19.
August 27 2020 France resumed its resettlement programme. It welcomed nearly 300 refugees from Lebanon. This includes 113 children.
September 24 2020 Spain resumed its resettlement programme. It welcomed nearly 140 refugees from Lebanon. This includes 53 children.
November 6 2020 16 London councils wrote to Priti Patel urging the Home Office to restart resettlement schemes.
November 9 2020 Minister of State, Baroness Williams of Trafford, announced the Government's plan to restart the VPRS in early 2021.
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