Question reference: S4W-07210
- Asked by: Siobhan McMahon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 15 May 2012
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Current status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 May 2012
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposed transfer of the contract for providing accommodation and transport for asylum seekers to Serco Civil Government on 31 August 2012 will have on the support that the Scottish Government provides to asylum seekers whose application to remain in the UK has been refused.
Answer
Asylum and Immigration are matters reserved to the UK Government, the United Kingdom Borders Agency and its delivery partners, and provision of support is a matter for them. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they are to be welcomed and supported, and to that end provides funding to the Scottish Refugee Council (£1.65 million during 2012-15) in order that they can work with local partners to provide support, advice and practical assistance to asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland.