Many child refugees will have missed considerable parts of their formal education for a number of reasons, including because they have been living in refugee camps or have been travelling in search of safety. We were told that children may need tailored support from teachers and other school staff.

Amongst its recommendations, the APPG states that the Department for Education should ensure schools are supported in providing support for refugee children, including through the dissemination of best practice.

Read the full report: Refugees Welcome? The experience of new refugees in the UK

130 more unaccompanied children in Europe to be brought to the UK to claim asylum

Following an ‘administrative error’ made by the government, the Immigration Minister has announced that the government would be looking to bring an additional 130 unaccompanied children from Europe to the UK to claim asylum under the ‘Dubs’ scheme. However, these children are NOT being resettled and they must still go through the asylum system in the UK.

The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of our commitment under section 67 to transfer unaccompanied children to the UK from Europe and no eligible child has been refused transfer to the UK as a result of this error […] Over the coming months, the Government will continue to work with EU Member States and partners to implement section 67.

Read at source: Immigration:Written statement – HLWS613

Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme

Amber Rudd, Secretary of State has confirmed that Syrian nationals resettled in the UK are, from 1 July 2017, to be recognised as refugees.

At the moment, resettled individuals and families are granted humanitarian protection – five years of leave similar to refugee status but while Humanitarian Protection recognises the need an individual has for international protection, it does not carry the same entitlements as refugee status or access to particular benefits, such as swifter access to student support for Higher Education and the same travel documents as those granted refugee status. Furthermore, it is at odds with what happens to those Syrians who claim asylum in the UK and who are granted refugee status.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Amber Rudd) made the following Written Ministerial Statement on 22nd March 2017:

We think it is right to change the policy and now is the right time to make this change. Therefore, with effect from 1 July 2017, we will be granting those admitted under the VPRS and the VCRS refugee status and five years’ limited leave. Those who have been resettled under these programmes before this date will be given the opportunity to make a request to change their status from Humanitarian Protection to refugee status. We will publish more information on how individuals can do this in due course.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre comments:

Allowing young people immediate access to university will, in many cases, make a massive difference to their lives and will allow them not just to survive but to thrive.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre can be contacted in relation to queries about these or other issues on 0207 636 8505 or email mcp@coramclc.org.uk. Coram also provides relevant training – to find out more and to book online visit here

Read at source: Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme – Arrangements:Written statement – HLWS553

Related Guidance and News

• More information about claiming asylum as a child in the UK is available via Coram Children’s Legal Centre – free guide to the rights and entitlements of separated children
• UK to take 130 more lone refugee children in Dubs scheme climb-down
• Charities demand Government scraps ‘devastating’ new refugee policy
• Fast-track asylum appeal system planned by government