We have been welcoming refugees to Dumfries and Galloway since the Syrian crisis began in 2016.
We use a community planning partnership approach to supporting those who settle across the region.
All resettlement schemes are overseen by the Resettlement Project Board whose membership includes NHS Dumfries and Galloway and Police Scotland.
We also work collaboratively with several third sector organisations that include Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service and the Scottish Refugee Council.
Resettlement schemes
There are several resettlement schemes that operate in Dumfries and Galloway.
All refugees receive an early assessment to help us understand their needs and devise plans that allow them access to key services, education and potential employment.
Syrian Vulnerable Person’s Relocation Scheme
Dumfries and Galloway received Syrian families between 2016 and 021 and we offer continued support.
The Afghan Resettlement Programme
The Afghan Resettlement Programme brings together 2 earlier schemes.
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government in Afghanistan in exposed or sensitive roles.
The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) is a referral-based scheme that prioritises vulnerable people and those who assisted UK efforts in Afghanistan.
The Ukraine Schemes
Ukrainian guests have been received in Dumfries and Galloway since 2022 under 3schemes.
UK Government Homes for Ukraine Scheme was launched following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The scheme allows people living in the UK to sponsor a Ukrainian national by offering them support and suitable accommodation.
We help sponsors and Ukrainian guests by providing background, housing and suitability checks accompanied by welcome and reorientation support.
The Scottish Government Super Sponsor Scheme matches Ukrainian families to properties. This is arranged between local authorities and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA).
The UK Government Family Visa Scheme allows individuals to join their family members who are either British citizens or settled in the UK. These arrangements are made between the sponsor and their Ukrainian family members.
The Unaccompanied Minors (UAM) Scheme allows unaccompanied children from Ukraine to travel to the UK subject to parental consent given in Ukraine. They must stay with someone who is known to them such as a friend or family member and social work services will perform private fostering assessments of the sponsor’s suitability.
Contact us
Email: resettlementproject@dumgal.gov.uk
Asylum Dispersal and Asylum Contingency
Asylum Dispersal and Contingency accommodation in Dumfries and Galloway is managed by Mears Group on behalf of the Home Office. Mears Group provides accommodation and support services.
The Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) scheme is UK-wide and enables children and young people who are separated from their parents to receive care from social work services until they reach the age of 18 years of age.
Independent advice about asylum
We work closely with agencies who can offer independent advice and support on issues relating to asylum.
The Scottish Refugee Council is able to assist those living in Scotland who are moving through the asylum process:
Telephone: 0808 1967 274
Online: Contact – Scottish Refugee Council
The Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service provide general advice regarding aspects of UK law.