A Welsh refugee charity leader has cautioned that abolishing the Nation of Sanctuary policy would have severe repercussions for social unity in Wales, warning of potential disastrous consequences.

The initiative, established by the Welsh government, provides support for refugees and asylum seekers relocated to Wales by the UK government, facilitating their integration into the community and access to essential public services.

In the lead-up to the May Senedd election, the Welsh Conservatives and Reform UK have vowed to dismantle the policy, citing concerns regarding its financial burden and the message it conveys.

Between 2019 and 2025, the Welsh government allocated 0.05% of its total budget to the Nation of Sanctuary initiative, amounting to £63.87m. The other major parties have reaffirmed their commitment to the policy.

As the Nation of Sanctuary plan has become a focal point of political debate, some readers have requested a more in-depth examination of the policy.

Gary Nickson, a retired procurement manager from Padeswood in north Wales, was among those who contacted the BBC's Your Voice project to express concerns about the policy, citing a lack of consultation and the perception that key decisions were being made without adequate input from the public.

Nickson stated that he could not recall being given the opportunity to participate in a survey or vote on the policy, and felt that significant decisions were being made on behalf of the public at a time when Wales was already grappling with its own domestic challenges.

In 2018, the Welsh government conducted a three-month consultation, which yielded substantial support for its proposals, including 35 written responses from organizations and individuals, as well as input from those seeking sanctuary.

The consultation also gathered views from people seeking refuge, providing valuable insights into the needs and concerns of this group.

A year later, the Welsh government declared its intention to make Wales the world's first Nation of Sanctuary, aiming to provide a safe haven for those in need.

Ministers outlined plans to facilitate access to essential services, including healthcare and education, for refugees and asylum seekers.

The policy also included measures to promote integration, such as providing opportunities for language training in English and Welsh, as well as education about Welsh society and culture.

It is essential to note that the Nation of Sanctuary policy does not influence immigration rules or the number of asylum seekers placed in Wales, as these decisions are the purview of the UK government.

The UK government retains sole responsibility for immigration and asylum seeker placement decisions, which are separate from the Nation of Sanctuary initiative.

The Welsh government's expenditure on the Nation of Sanctuary policy between 2019 and 2025 totaled £63.87m, equivalent to 0.05% of its total budget for that period.

The majority of this funding, £58.22m, was allocated to support Ukrainians who fled to Wales following the conflict in their home country.

According to the latest available Home Office data, as of September 30, 2025, there were 12,687 refugees and asylum seekers being supported by the policy in Wales, including 8,328 from Ukraine and 1,028 Afghans who had supported UK efforts in Afghanistan.

Of the remaining 3,331 individuals, 99 were being accommodated in asylum hotels in Cardiff at the UK government's expense.

Larysa Martseva, who arrived in Cardiff with her two teenage children in April 2022 after fleeing the war in Ukraine, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she received.

Four years later, Martseva remains thankful for the support she received, which enabled her to rebuild her life in Wales.

She described the experience as "the expression of kindness" and "respect," which made her feel comfortable and valued.

Martseva's emotions still overwhelm her when she recalls the period, as she felt a deep sense of appreciation for the support she received.

Now working at a community center in Cardiff, Martseva credits the Nation of Sanctuary policy with enabling her and others in similar situations to become integral members of society.

The Welsh Refugee Council, a recipient of funding through the scheme, has witnessed the positive impact of the policy on the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.

The organization's chief executive, Andrea Cleaver, acknowledged the concerns surrounding the policy's cost, particularly in light of the current cost of living crisis.

However, Cleaver warned that abolishing the policy would have severe consequences, including a rise in homelessness and decreased access to essential services.

She predicted that the demise of the policy would lead to a decline in English language learning, volunteering, and economic contributions from refugees and asylum seekers.

Cleaver emphasized the need for increased funding to ensure the policy's objectives are fully realized, allowing it to have a more significant impact on the lives of those it supports.

She expressed surprise at the politicization of the issue ahead of the election, noting that the policy had become a "political football."

The major parties have reaffirmed their commitment to the policy, with Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Liberal Democrats, and the Wales Green Party all expressing support for the Nation of Sanctuary initiative.

In contrast, the Welsh Conservatives and Reform UK have pledged to scrap the policy, citing concerns about its cost and effectiveness.

Darren Millar, leader of the Conservative group in Cardiff Bay, stated that Wales has always been a place of refuge, but argued that the Nation of Sanctuary plan is unnecessary and wasteful.

Reform UK MS Laura Anne Jones described the policy as "virtue-signaling," suggesting that it sends the wrong message and encourages asylum seekers to come to Wales.

The debate surrounding the Nation of Sanctuary policy is likely to continue in the lead-up to the Senedd election, with the policy's fate hanging in the balance.

The Welsh government's commitment to the policy remains unchanged, with ministers emphasizing the importance of providing a safe haven for those in need.

As the election approaches, the future of the Nation of Sanctuary policy remains uncertain, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for refugees and asylum seekers in Wales.

This report was compiled with additional research by George Herd.