THE first refugees from the conflict in Syria are to arrive in Aberystwyth this week, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

The county will welcome 11 refugees, with another 39 arriving in Torfaen, Neath Port Talbot and Caerphilly.

Their arrival date and where they will be staying in Aberystwyth is not being released.

The refugees arriving in Ceredigion under the Syrian Resettlement Programme have been identified as the most vulnerable and come directly from Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.

They have been through a thorough two-stage vetting process before arrival and have been granted five years full humanitarian protection.

The Home Office has also agreed to extend funding for the refugees for a full five years, easing fears of cost implications for Ceredigion council.

The Minister for Communities, Lesley Griffiths, who chairs the Syrian Refugee taskforce said: “Wales has a strong history of welcoming refugees from all over the world.

“I am proud to say this tradition is continuing with every Welsh local authority confirming they are open to welcoming Syrian refugees to their communities, once the necessary support services are in place.

“I have been heartened to see the public outpouring of support for refugees from the people of Wales over the past weeks and months.

“I am confident people in Torfaen, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot and Caerphilly will provide a warm welcome to the vulnerable people and families arriving this week and will help them become part of Welsh life.

“The arrival of refugees this week is the start of a long-term process of ensuring they are given all the help they need to rebuild their lives and are able to make a valuable contribution to Welsh society.”

Ceredigion council said that the authority’s task and finish group continue to meet and that everything is being done to protect the new arrivals.

“They are very ordinary people from ordinary backgrounds who are fleeing violence,” a spokesperson said.

“The task and finish group continue to convene regularly and all member organisations are in constant talks to support these refugees in their plight.”

Salah Mohamed, chief executive of the Welsh Refugee Council, said: “People across Wales are ready to welcome refugees from Syria with compassion and kindness.

“The Welsh Refugee Coalition is inspired and motivated by this ground swell of support for refugees in Wales.

“We know that it will make a huge difference to the lives of newly arrived Syrian refugees.

“We are ready to play our part to welcome the new Syrian arrivals to Wales, in partnership with local authorities the third sector and communities across the country.

“We will work with partners to ensure that children and adults are healthy, safe and achieving as they rebuild their lives in our country.”