The latest quarterly Home Office migration statistics, which were published on Thursday (24 August) show that over 1,200 refugees arrived through the scheme in the second quarter of 2017, meaning over a third of the 20,000 refugees the UK government pledged to resettle by 2020 are already in the UK. Approximately half of those who have arrived under the scheme are children.

Today’s figures also show Syrian refugees have been housed by more than 200 local authorities across the United Kingdom. The government continues to work with councils and devolved administrations to ensure placements are available as more vulnerable people arrive.

Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis said:

I’m delighted with the significant progress we have made with the VPR scheme. Over 8,500 people have been resettled and more are arriving every month.

We will continue to work with local authorities and the UNHCR, whose hard work so far has made sure that the scheme is a success, to provide those who have been displaced by conflict with a safe environment and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

In September 2015, the government pledged to resettle 20,000 vulnerable Syrians who have fled the conflict in Syria to neighbouring countries by 2020. Last month, the scheme was expanded to include refugees of all nationalities. Additionally 3,000 children and adults will be resettled from the Middle East and North Africa through our Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme.

Additionally, in July the government announced £1 million funding to help communities support refugees through the Community Sponsorship scheme. The scheme has been running for a year and 53 refugees have been welcomed by 10 community groups across the UK.

The government has also already pledged £10m in English language funding to help Syrian families improve their English language skills. This is vital to help those coming to the UK find work, gain independence and give back to the communities that have welcomed them.

These resettlement schemes are only one of the ways the government is supporting vulnerable children and adults who have fled danger and conflict. The UK government remains the second largest donor in humanitarian assistance and has pledged £2.46 billion in aid to Syria and the neighbouring countries.

The UK has also provided humanitarian support in response to the Mediterranean migration crisis of more than £100 million since October 2015. This includes providing winter clothing, hygiene kits and emergency medical care for those rescued at sea as well as protection for women and girls at risk of being trafficked.

Foreign Office Minister for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field said:

The UK welcomes the report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. We stand ready to support the Burmese government in implementing the report’s recommendations, to address the long-term issues in Rakhine and deliver for all communities.

We have received reports of attacks by a Rohingya insurgency group on Burmese security forces. We strongly condemn all violence in Rakhine State. We urge all parties in Rakhine to show restraint and de-escalate tensions.

International Development Minister Alistair Burt said:

The British Government is deeply concerned following reports of attacks overnight in Rakhine and condemns all violence and loss of life. The UK has long been one of the biggest supporters of Burma, including in Rakhine State. Since 2012, we have provided over £30 million in humanitarian assistance, including food and sanitation for over 126,000 people.

We welcome yesterday’s Rakhine Advisory Commission report and stand ready to support the Burmese Government to implement its recommendations, while continuing to call for freedom of movement and equal access to basic services in Rakhine for all communities.

Further information

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In the coming months, we’ll be introducing several new digital services for you to use. We know that you’d like more online services, which will improve our processing times and help you manage your information quickly and easily.

Barring

In early September, our new barring referral system will be available. Employers and organisations will be able to submit barring referrals online and:

• register to create an online account with DBS
• manage one or several barring referrals online
• share information with DBS through a secure government platform

In addition, people who have been referred to DBS will be able to set up an account to communicate confidentially with us about their case.

Basic criminal record checks

If you live or work in England or Wales you’ll be able to apply online for a basic criminal record check through DBS from January 2018. As part of the online application you’ll need to prove your identity through GOV.UK Verify.

These checks are currently managed by Disclosure Scotland, who’ll continue to process them for anyone living or working in Scotland.

A basic criminal record check shows unspent convictions. Anyone can apply for basic criminal record checks. Many employers also use them as part of the recruitment processes. If you’re self-employed you can also apply for a basic check.

Standard and enhanced criminal record checks

Also in 2018 we will be introducing online standard and enhanced checks for employers and organisations.

The system will allow you to:

• register to create an online account with DBS
• manage DBS check applications online
• track the progress of DBS applications online and do status checks

These checks are needed for certain roles, especially when working with children and vulnerable adults. We’ll continue to keep you updated about DBS online services over the coming months. Use our eligibility tool to find out which criminal record check is right for you.

GOV.UK email alerts

You can sign up for GOV.UK alerts, which will notify you of any updates to our web content.

You’ll be asked for an email address to create a subscription, and can choose how often you’d like to be alerted when DBS publishes web updates.