The Refugees who stayed with us had spent years in camps. They were on the official lists but the official wait period is now many decades. Many refugees do "queue jump" by gaining the support of charities able to sponsor their travel. The alternative of a dangerous sea journey is what has attracted political attention here.
"Our" refugees came here quite legally by plane, their journey paid for by one of the charities. They were not permitted to work for an extended period and their professional qualifications were not recognised here. During the time they were not allowed to work they were given the opportunity to take English classes.
Three years on, they are now fluent English speakers.
As soon as they were permitted, they moved from welfare to paid employment. I freely admit that I would not do the work they now do.
They are also updating their professional qualifications but this is a very long haul process.
