Places such as Richmond, Camden, Ealing, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kingston, Lambeth and Lewisham have all put forward suggestions to host Afghan refugees.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, stated that London is “always ready to help Afghan refugees” because the UK has developed a plan to provide asylum to Afghan refugees. 20,000 Afghans flee violence.
Camden Commission leader Georgia Gould said: “The government must act quickly to ensure the safe and legal passage of people fleeing the Taliban. We are always ready to welcome refugees seeking safety in Camden.
“Camden has a long and proud history of helping refugees, often getting involved where the government fails to take action.
“We will welcome families into our administrative area and provide them with the support and help they need to rebuild their lives.”
Richmond City Council leader Gareth Roberts said: “The City Council has been doing its best to welcome refugees to Richmond upon Thames, support their settlement in the UK, and integrate them into the local community. The last time was in 2016. Years to 19.
“It is complicated to set up refugees in the appropriate communities and obtain appropriate support, and appropriate coordination is taking place at the national level.
“We are currently waiting for the government’s guidance on refugees arriving from Afghanistan. Once the details are finalized, we will support the plan.”
The London Parliament provided a briefing on the government’s new resettlement plan for Afghan citizens, which is modeled on a similar plan for the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the UK.
The government has confirmed that it plans to relocate 5,000 Afghan nationals “in danger due to the current crisis” in the first year.
Priority will be given to women and girls, as well as religious and other minorities.
However, in a briefing seen by The Standard, the London Parliament told its local authorities that “the details of the plan are still to be confirmed” and there are several outstanding issues that need to be clarified.
In the question, it is seeking to clarify whether it will grant arrivals permanent residency and work rights.
It also looks at claims for benefits and how far in advance the council knows the size of the family and the additional support needed.
It also asked the government to provide information on the timetable for entry within five years.
Sadiq Khan said before: “In this terrible time, we must do our best to support the Afghan people. I welcome the Prime Minister’s pledge to resettle up to 20,000 Afghans.
“Our city has a proud history of providing asylum seekers, and we are again ready to help.
“I urge the ministers to come forward now to provide the districts with the financial support needed to resettle Afghan families and help them build a long-term future in our open and welcoming city.”
