UK Establishes Secret Afghan Relocation Scheme After Data Breach
Following a significant data breach, the UK government has established a confidential Afghan relocation scheme.
Data Breach Details
The breach involved the personal data of nearly 19,000 Afghans who applied to relocate to the UK following the Taliban takeover. A British defence official mistakenly released the data in February 2022, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) becoming aware of the breach in August 2023.
Afghan Response Route
Approximately 9,000 Afghans have arrived in the UK or are en route through this secret scheme, estimated to cost £850 million. The existence of the Afghan Response Route, created in April 2024, was previously protected by an injunction but is now reportable after a High Court ruling on Tuesday.
Government Response
Defence Secretary John Healey is expected to provide further details in the House of Commons. The data breach concerned Afghans who collaborated with international forces post-2001 invasion.
Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap)
The UK established the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme in August 2021 to expedite applications from individuals fearing Taliban reprisals. However, sensitive data from Arap applicants was leaked. Arap has faced criticism, including a 2022 Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry deeming it a "disaster".
