Under a _25m government programme around 2000 Iraqis may be flown over to the UK from next month to start a new life. Interpreters and other staff who have worked for the UK government are being offered a one-off payment or the chance to settle in the UK with their family. About 50 Iraqis, many of whom fear for their lives in their homeland, are due to arrive on the first flight in April. The Home Office said they would spend two days in Slough, Berkshire, before being resettled outside the south-east. The new arrivals will be given help finding accommodation and settling down from Migrant Helpline, a charity which provides advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. The direct entry assistance scheme is intended to support those who worked for British forces and the Foreign Office in Iraq, in many cases putting their lives in danger. Only those that were working on a date last August and had been doing so for more than one year are eligible. Those that meet the criteria are being given the option of indefinite leave to remain in the UK or a financial package for themselves and their dependents. The relocation package includes temporary accommodation for three months.http://www.themuslimweekly.com/newsdetails/fullstoryview.aspx?NewsID=4C379A4BC85C7BE8FB581D84&MENUID=HOMENEWS&DESCRIPTION=UK%20News
