New Scots refugee integration strategy 2018-2022: summary

Summary of the New Scots refugee integration strategy 2018-22.


Employability and Welfare Rights

" Everyone has a right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment."

Article 23(1) Universal Declaration of Human Rights

" Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realisation, through national effort and international cooperation and in accordance with the organisation and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality."

Article 22 Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Objectives and Actions

The following initial actions set out the work related to employability and welfare rights, which will be progressed in the first instance:

Outcome: Refugees and asylum seekers understand their rights, responsibilities and entitlements, and are able to exercise them to pursue full and independent lives.

Objective: what we want to achieve

Action: what we will do

Refugees are supported to move on from asylum support within the 28‑day move-on period, by ensuring that benefits are in place when asylum support ends.

Support the Home Office and Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP) in the evaluation and development of the '28-Day Move‑On' pilot to facilitate speedier access to welfare benefits.

Work with appropriate agencies to review the processes in place to access welfare benefits for all those granted 'leave to remain', aged 16 and over, and to help refugees obtain the support they are entitled to.

Provide information on post decision processes to successful asylum applicants in their own language.

Refugees are better able to understand and articulate their skills and competencies to support them to secure employment.

Offer all new refugees access to information and advice on their rights, choices and options available, in relation to employability, welfare and benefits.

Develop opportunities for refugees to build and develop their skills, through volunteering, work placements or work shadowing.

Develop guidance and good practice on the development of Personal Integration Plans for refugees, to outline goals and aspirations.

Outcome: Refugees and asylum seekers are able to access well-coordinated services, which recognise and meet their rights and needs.

Objective: what we want to achieve

Action: what we will do

Refugees can build their skills, secure employment and gain financial independence.

Support development of a model for a recognition and accreditation process to identify prior qualifications, skills and learning, and develop sector specific employment pathways.

Improve availability and access to appropriate English for Speakers of Other Languages ( ESOL) provision. Support ESOL providers to improve links with vocational training providers.

Work with employability and welfare service providers to improve understanding of refugees' skills and support better use of the claimant commitment. [1]

Refugees can access services designed to support entrepreneurialism and establish businesses.

Develop pathways for refugees to realise entrepreneurial skills and talents, and make best use of business development services.

Outcome: Policy, strategic planning and legislation, which have an impact on refugees and asylum seekers, are informed by their rights, needs and aspirations.

Objective: what we want to achieve

Action: what we will do

Policy, strategic planning and legislation in relation to welfare are informed by the needs and aspirations of refugees and asylum seekers.

Influence future devolved welfare powers to address the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.

Contact

scotlandsrefugeestrategy@gov.scot

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