London - Arab Today
British Prime Minister Theresa May has committed almost £750 million of aid to help tackle the migrant crisis, ITV news reported Wednesday.
She said an extra £660 million of the UK's aid budget would be ring-fenced to focus on easing the refugee crisis in a bid to encourage migrants not to travel to Europe.
May's pledge increases the UK’s humanitarian aid contribution by 10% from last year.
Much of the money is expected to be used to support some of the countries hosting refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria.
The move is part of May's policy to encourage refugees and economic migrants to stay closer to their home countries rather than attempt to enter Europe
A further £80 million will be spent on creating jobs in Africa.
Speaking at a United Nations summit hosted by Barack Obama in New York, May also announced that £2.5 million will be added to an international fund established by the UN and the International Organisation for Migration to help countries willing to resettle refugees.
The extra money could also be spent in parts of Africa that are experiencing refugee problems or any natural disasters that require a humanitarian response.
Source: MENA