UK Ends Afghan Resettlement Schemes, Sparking Outrage
The UK government has abruptly terminated two programs designed to offer refuge to Afghans, a move that has ignited anger within the Afghan community in Britain.
Key Scheme Closures
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which prioritized those who aided Britain against the Taliban or worked for the UK government, is now closed to new applicants. Similarly, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), aimed at assisting vulnerable Afghan women, girls, and minorities, has also been halted.
Migration Minister Seema Malohtra stated that the UK will not be initiating any further resettlement pathways.
Criticism and Concerns
Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi, director of the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association, criticized the decision, highlighting the perceived discriminatory treatment compared to Ukrainian and Hong Kong refugees. He fears that the closure of legal routes will push Afghans to seek entry into the UK through illegal means.
Nasimi also claimed that the existing schemes haven't necessarily helped the most vulnerable, alleging that many resettled Afghans have ties to the Taliban and that those who genuinely need assistance, such as individuals who collaborated with NATO, remain stranded in Afghanistan or face deportation from neighboring countries.
Government Justification and Statistics
Defence Secretary John Healey justified the ARAP closure by stating that defense resources need to be focused on national security. While over 12,800 Afghans have been resettled under ACRS and 21,316 under ARAP by March 2025, a backlog of 22,000 ARAP applications remains unresolved.
