Afghan interpreters who put their lives at risk by providing support to British forces during the Afghanistan war have been resettled in Fife.
Following the draw-down of British forces in Afghanistan, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond recently announced the UK Government intends to resettle at least 300 Afghan households in the UK in 2014/15.
John Mills, Fife Council’s head of housing services, has confirmed that Fife has taken a share.
He said: “Since January 2015, Fife has successfully resettled seven Afghan interpreters into Fife.
“At the moment, they are housed in temporary accommodation and they’re being given advice and support to help them move on and build new lives here.”
The possibility of the move was first made public a year ago and welcomed by Fife councillors, who said the UK had a “moral duty” to help people whose lives would be at risk were they to stay in Afghanistan.
A report on Fife’s potential participation in the UK Government’s Afghan Relocation Ex-Gratia Scheme was presented to the local authority’s executive committee.
A report to that committee by Derek Muir, Fife Council’s head of neighbourhood services, said: “The Prime Minister has made a commitment to relocate to the UK 300 Afghan families and individuals who have assisted the British Army during the period of service duty in Afghanistan.
“It is recognised there is a clear threat to life for these individuals should they remain in Afghanistan.”
Mr Muir said Glasgow City Council had significant experience in receiving asylum seekers, and refugees from Syria, Africa and Arab countries. He said they would offer costing assistance.
He stated that the costings were of significant importance in making the scheme work for Fife so that no costs fall on the council tax payer.
Financial support would come from the Home Office.