THE CITY of Coventry has been thanked for its role in supporting the resettlement of refugees in the UK from their war-torn homes in Syria.
Government figures show that over 5,500 Syrian refugees have moved to the UK under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement (VPR) scheme, with that figure set to rise to 20,000 by 2020.
Coventry has been housing Syrian refugees with support from central government, which fully funds the first year of resettlement using the overseas aid budget.
The VPR scheme is voluntary, but so far more than 200 local authorities have housed refugees, with Coventry welcoming 132 refugees last year, bringing its overall total to the region to 192.
“The support of Coventry and other local authorities has been paramount in helping us resettle so many vulnerable people who have fled conflict,” said Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill.
“The humanitarian crisis in Syria is unprecedented which is why we decided to undertake one of the largest resettlement schemes in the UK’s history.
“The hard work will continue throughout this Parliament as we provide those who have been traumatised and damaged by war with a safe environment and the chance to rebuild their lives.”
Back in November last year, the Observer reported how Syrian refugees hosted a sold-out fundraising dinner to raise money for the charity Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre’s (CRMC).
Adnan Khalil Omar fled Syria in 2015 and settled in the Wood End area of the city with his wife and daughter.
He said: “We are thankful to the city of Coventry and its people for the support we have received since arriving.”
