Integrating our refugee and migrant communities
Coventry reinforces its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive city for all. Building on a legacy of success, we seek to adapt and evolve to address the unique challenges faced by our refugee and migrant communities. Our efforts continue to align with the One Coventry Plan.
Responding to global humanitarian crisis
Coventry, as a city of peace and reconciliation, remains a place of sanctuary for high numbers of those seeking refuge from global crisis in the UK. We continue to extend our support to Afghan, Ukrainian, and Hong Kong communities, prioritising long-term integration and self-sufficiency.
UK Resettlement Scheme - building on a decade of success
Celebrating 10 years of our Migration Team and resettlement programme, we proudly reflect on welcoming 1,469 refugees since 2014.
Adapting to policy shifts
Coventry City Council continues to navigate an evolving national policy environment by proactively engaging with new legislation and calls for evidence, such as the Asylum Accommodation Delivery and Impact inquiry.
In doing so, the Council seeks to strengthen safeguarding provisions and foster deeper collaboration with voluntary and community sector partners to ensure responsive and joined-up services for those impacted. In response to the Carers Act 2022, the Council has worked in partnership with Central England Law Centre to support migrant care workers affected by employment uncertainties.
This collaboration ensures individuals are informed of their rights and entitlements and promotes fair working conditions across the sector. The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains a significant area of delivery.
As of 2 May 2025, Coventry has welcomed 641 Ukrainian nationals displaced by the ongoing conflict. Through housing pathways and effective coordination, the Council has minimised homelessness presentations, supporting the city’s commitment to inclusive resettlement and integration.
Migration in numbers: April 2024 to March 2025
- over 1,500 asylum seekers supported including assistance with signposting and referrals to key integration services such as housing support, civic orientation, language, welfare benefits
- 41 women helped to improve wider integration outcomes i.e. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), digital and financial literacy skills
- 112 refugees resettled. This includes 55 adults and 57 children
- 91 refugees completed intensive English language course linked to employment support provided by Adult Education Service and the Migration Team
- 90 clients supported into employment
- 37 volunteers trained some of whom are actively contributing to City Council projects and services
- 109 Hong Kong (British National Overseas) received
- 1,493 dispersed asylum seekers in Coventry
- 180 Ukrainian new arrivals under the Homes for Ukraine scheme
Empowering new arrivals to thrive
We have developed an enhanced support package for new arrivals including our specialist intensive English Language course with vocational specific language training, to increase the employment opportunities that refugees and newly arrived communities can access.
Our employment support has expanded to include a volunteer placement programme, offering diverse opportunities for valuable work experience and community and integration.
Case study - Nataliya Korovina
Nataliya and her loved ones faced great difficulty, but despite their uncertain future, they worked to construct successful, new lives for themselves here in Coventry. Below, Nataliya explains her story and her approach to finding employment.
"My name is Nataliya Korovina. I'm 42 years old and from Ukraine, the most beautiful and incredible country for the Ukrainian people! I had the happiest life in Ukraine, enjoying work as an interpreter and guide for foreign guests. Touring guests in one of the most attractive Ukrainian cities, Lviv, was a joy! I have three children who studied in the best schools. They had kind teachers and wonderful friends. Two of them were even preparing for their proms.
But one day, on 24 February 2022, everything changed forever. Our plans and dreams were destroyed because of one word, war. Consumed with shock during the first few days, we watched as our neighbours fled with their children, carrying only one bag. It was as if they tried to put their whole life into this one bag.
A terrible siren sound echoed through the streets, waking us up. We had then spent numerous days and hours in our house's cold, wet basement.
However, our so-called 'bomb shelter' couldn't drown out the whistles of missiles and the loud sounds of explosions. Our children were exhausted by this dreadful lifestyle, and so was I. So, we decided to migrate to the UK.
In Coventry, we started a new life. We were lucky to get the best sponsor, our dearest friend, priest Father Stephen. My next effort was to find employment. I tried to find a job as an interpreter to allow me to help other Ukrainian refugees.
I got considerable help from Coventry City Council and my job coach, who helped me to write my CV and prepare for interviews. I applied for the job of Multilingual Educational Assistant. It was my second application. I was invited to an interview and got a job! I love my job and am delighted to support Ukrainian school children by translating for them!"
Reflecting on her admirable journey, Nataliya added:
"Thank you to the people of Britain for their invaluable help and support of Ukrainian refugees! And thank you to the staff at Coventry City Council, who supported us in every step of building our new life!"
Coventry City Council remains committed to creating a welcoming environment and shared prosperity, where everyone can thrive, contribute to our community, and build successful futures.
