Immigration Solicitors

Birmingham City Council has announced that the city’s second group of refugees under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme arrived on Wednesday (27/01/16).

In December 2015, Birmingham was formally announced as a City of Sanctuary, in recognition of the city’s efforts to offer shelter and safety to refugees.

In December, nine refugees were the first to arrive from camps along the Syrian border under the UK government’s resettlement programme, which aims to accept 20,000 refugees by 2020.

A total of 22 refugees are still waiting to go to Birmingham – the city pledged to accept 50 individuals, a plan which received cross-party city council backing in September 2015.

Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for inclusion and community safety, Councillor Shafique Shah, said:

“What is happening in Syria is a human catastrophe – and it is only right that we play our part in offering shelter and a new life to people who are fleeing for their lives.

“Birmingham has a proud history of welcoming people from around the world – and the package of support given to us by the government will allow us to work with partners such as Refugee Action to help ensure these people are settled and will be able to integrate into the city and start a new life.”

Chief executive of Refugee Action, Stephen Hale, added:

“Refugee Action is delighted to be working with the British Red Cross, Freedom from Torture, Spring Housing and Birmingham City Council to welcome Syrians arriving in Birmingham this week.

“Drawing on over 30 years’ experience, Refugee Action believes that fostering independence among refugees is the key to effective and sustainable resettlement.

“Initially, we will support families and individuals to navigate practicalities that others might take for granted – like registering with their local GP and enrolling children in to local schools.

“Longer term – and in partnership with local groups and other charities – we will empower refugee families and individuals to properly integrate within their local communities, enabling them to rebuild their lives in dignity.

“This work includes helping clients to understand the job market and identify employment opportunities – signposting them to services which will help them overcome trauma and helping them to enrol on language courses.”

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid immigration solicitors able to advise on UK immigration law, including asylum applications, asylum appeals and illegal entry to the UK.

Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on:

• Human Rights Act
• Marriage in the UK
• Modern Slavery Bill
• Right to work in the UK
• Student visas
• Spouse visas
• Visa overstays.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.