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Refugee resettlement


Resettlement programmes

Find out about different resettlement programmes, including who delivers them, the application process and what rights they offer.

There are currently 3 resettlement programmes:

  • Refugee Resettlement
  • Homes for Ukraine
  • Asylum Dispersal

How the programmes are funded

All costs associated with resettlement and asylum dispersal are funded externally by UK and Scottish Governments. The UK Government funds refugee and asylum programmes from the Overseas Official Development Assistance opens in a new tab (ODA) budget. There is no council budget allocated for refugee and asylum support.  

Current programmes

Refugee Resettlement

Refugee Resettlement is delivered by the council in line with UK Government outcomes and funding instructions. The schemes include:

Families arriving via Refugee Resettlement programmes are prioritised for resettlement due to vulnerabilities. There is no application process. Their transition to Aberdeenshire is supported by:

  • The Home Office
  • United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
  • International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
  • Council's Resettlement Team

They arrive with Refugee Status and can immediately work, study and fully participate in their new community.

Resettlement is considered a safe route.

Homes for Ukraine

Displaced Person Resettlement is delivered by the council in line with UK and Scottish Government outcomes and funding instructions, under the Homes for Ukraine (HfU) scheme.

Families and individuals arriving via Homes for Ukraine are supported by UK and Scottish Government and the council's Resettlement Team. Anyone with Ukrainian citizenship and a sponsor in the UK can apply.

They arrive on a visa with Displaced Person Status and can immediately work, study and fully participate in their new community.

Homes for Ukraine is considered a safe route.

Asylum Dispersal

Asylum Dispersal, housing and support is delivered by Mears Group on behalf of UK Government. Councils receive funding to mitigate the impacts of asylum dispersal.

Families and individuals accommodated by Mears Group in Aberdeenshire arrive in the UK without permission. On arrival, they claim asylum. If their asylum application is accepted, they will be granted Refugee Status.

They arrive with Asylum Status and have no Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), no right to work or apply for housing or benefits.  

Asylum is considered a dangerous route.

View the Asylum Dispersal frequently asked questions (PDF 279KB) to find out more.

Contact

For queries about refugee resettlement or volunteering, please email rrt@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

For queries about asylum dispersal please email asylum@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Find out how to make a Freedom of Information request.