Since the announcement a “steady stream” of refugees have already come to the United Kingdom but the start of a series of special charter flights will see the numbers arriving increase.
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“There are two levels of screening that take place” by the United Nations and the Home Office, including “biometrics”, May told parliament on Monday.
“Over the coming weeks we will provide refuge to hundreds more people who have been forced from their homes because of civil unrest, persecution and war”.
She said multiple checks are in place for those earmarked for relocation in Britain.
“What happened in Paris on Friday is the type of violence that these refugees are fleeing from and we are confident that they will be welcomed with open arms by our communities”, the spokeswoman said in a statement. We should be able to take in more.
As part of their resettlement, they have been granted leave to remain for five years, after which they can apply to reside permanently in the UK.
“It’s a really important part of starting to feel that you’re belonging and settling somewhere, basic information about where to go for different service and how to get around a city or a town”.
Resident Claire Leonard toldThe Times: “Originally, I was all for them coming. But I think the overriding sense will be one of relief and also one of hope in terms of having the chance to build a new life in the safety and security of Scotland”.
Yousaf added: “I just want to welcome these people to Scotland, and assure them that despite the weather, the welcome they receive will be very warm”.
“There’s a lot of co-ordination, a lot of effort from all sorts of agencies, including ours, in terms of providing the best possible welcome we can”.
“Then there is a further check that is done once people are referred to the UK”.
“Of course there may be a few cases where it is possible to prosecute people who are coming back from Syria”.
“We are due to welcome Syrian refugees to Scotland tomorrow and we need to show that we are a country of compassion and acceptance”, she said.
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In response to an European Union commission document on the matter, London’s Home Office said groups of irregular migrants and asylum seekers from certain countries of origin, notably Eritrea and Syria, have refused to cooperate in being fingerprinted by Member State authorities.
