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Refugee resettlement in Kent

Refugee resettlement helps the most vulnerable refugees. These people face danger or have urgent needs that stop them living safely in their own country. Government schemes support these refugees and help them rebuild their lives.

Refugee resettlement is different to the asylum system. The government decides who qualifies for resettlement before the person travels to the UK. Many refugees live in camps near their home country when the government selects them. The government gives them permission to stay in the UK, so they do not need to claim asylum when they arrive. They travel legally to the UK.

Read about these safe and legal routes on GOV.UK.

Our role in refugee resettlement

We work with the government, Kent district councils and the British Refugee Council to support refugees in Kent. The government designs these schemes and pays for them, so resettled refugees do not rely on council funds.

Learn about government resettlement schemes for refugees.

People who arrive through these schemes have legal permission to stay in the UK. They do not enter the country illegally, and they are not asylum seekers. The UK is now home for these families.

We deliver the government resettlement schemes across most of Kent. We do not deliver the schemes for Ashford, Canterbury or some parts of Dover.

Find out more about:

Support from the British Refugee Council

The refugees we resettle in Kent get support from the British Refugee Council. This supports refugees for at least 3 years, and sometimes for up to 5 years.

The support helps families become part of the community. Resettled refugees get advice on:

  • housing
  • employment
  • education
  • English language learning
  • financial stability
  • social integration
  • health and wellbeing.

Find out more about the British Refugee Council on their website.

Contact us

Get in touch to find out more or to see how you can help. Email refugeeresettlementteam@kent.gov.uk .

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