More than 60 Afghan refugee families living in Hampshire according to county council statistics

MORE than 60 Afghan refugee families are now living in Hampshire, according to new statistics.

Figures provided by Hampshire County Council show there are 29 families in permanent accommodation across the county, with an additional 35 families in temporary lodgings, writes David George of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The news comes as Hampshire also gears up to take in Ukrainian refugees, should the government require the county to share some of the load.

Incoming Afghan refugees have received support from the county council, charities and residents alike, which has eased their transition into life in a new country.

A spokesperson for HCC said: "The county council continues to work alongside local partners to support Afghan evacuee families.

"Over the past months the support provided has been tailored to meet individual families’ needs and may comprise, health assistance, help with school places and other educational matters, dedicated social care support for more vulnerable family members, as well as universal services such as benefits advice from national agencies."

Towards the end of last year there were around 154 Afghan refugees living in Hampshire.

Through the government’s Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, 5,000 people are being resettled in the UK this year, with an additional 20,000 in the next few years.

The scheme formally opened on 6th January, and prioritises those who have supported UK armed forces over the past two decades, then vulnerable Afghans such as women, children and members of LGBT+ community.

According to the Home Office, the government has also granted visas to 300 Ukrainian refugees.