A NATIONWIDE integration service to support refugees and people seeking asylum in Scotland will receive £8 million in funding over the next two and a half years.
Delivered by the Scottish Refugee Council, the service will offer advice, information and resources to help people fleeing war and persecution settle and rebuild their lives.
The new contract builds on the success of the previous Refugee Support Service, which in 2024/25 supported over 10,000 people from 113 different countries.
The funding will support a multi-year programme running until March 2028, with an option to extend for a further two years.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart, reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to welcoming those in need.
“Our Programme for Government commits to a multi-year funded service so refugees and people seeking asylum can access the support they need, when they need it,” she said.
“Refugees and people seeking asylum are welcome in Scotland and this service will support them to start rebuilding their lives here.”
Stewart praised the Scottish Refugee Council’s past work, saying: “I’m very pleased that these efforts can continue through the service we’re funding.”
Chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, Sabir Zazai, welcomed the investment.
“We’re delighted that our approach to building a better future with refugees in Scotland has been recognised with this investment,” he said.
Zazai highlighted the reach of their work, noting that last year the organisation supported people in 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities.
He said the service helped connect hundreds of communities across the country in efforts to support and welcome New Scots.
“We’re looking forward to building on this work and reaching even more people seeking refugee protection in Scotland,” Zazai added.
He emphasised that the new service would continue to offer essential information, multilingual advice and practical support to those most in need.
