UK Immigration Routes for Afghan Refugees

The UK has introduced the Afghan Relocation Assistance Policy and the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme to allow Afghan refugees to come to the UK.

Paragon Law

1 min read

In the summer of 2021, the withdrawal of US and UK military forces from Afghanistan left large numbers of Afghan nationals at risk of persecution from Taliban rules. In 2019 there were estimated to be 79,000 people born in Afghanistan living in the UK - many of whom fled Afghanistan to escape threats of violence. This violence may now be directed at family members living in Afghanistan, and so, to bring light to this situation in this blog post we are sharing the immigration routes available for Afghan refugees seeking to come to the UK.

The Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP)

The Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is open to Afghans who were employed by the UK government in Afghanistan. The eligibility for this scheme is based on the level of risk in which staying in Afghanistan would be (as a result of their occupation). Those who are eligible to come to the UK under ARAP will be able to bring certain family members with them to the UK and will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

The Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)

Under the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), the UK government is pledging to resettle up to 20,000 Afghan refugees over the coming years. The scheme will run on a prioritisation system, whereby vulnerable groups (e.g. women, girls, children, members of minority groups) and those who have shown resistance in some way (e.g. protested against democracy, women’s rights, and freedom of speech or have helped the UK’s efforts) will be prioritsed. Individuals who are resettled through ACRS will receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

British nationals and their family members

The Home Office is assisting British nationals and their family members to return to the UK in various ways. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) operates a global response centre. Those British nationals affected may contact the centre by phoning: (+44)(0)207 008 5000 or (+44)(0)1908 516 666. British nationals in Afghanistan are encouraged to register their presence with the FCDO. The FCDO can assist with travel documentation for those who have lost or do not have their passports or other documentation. They may also issue visa waivers on compassionate grounds. Any British national who has a non-British family member in the region should, at first instance, utilise this service rather than have their relatives apply under the standard Immigration Rules for visas to enter the UK.

Family members of Afghan citizens in the UK

Afghan nationals with refugee status in the UK may sponsor certain family members to join them in the UK under the UK family reunion policy. Spouses and children under 18 years of age are generally included in these rules while other family members may apply but will find it more difficult to succeed in their applications. Sponsors should seek advice before considering applications for any family members.

Speak to an immigration advisor

If you require assistance in relation to any of the immigration routes mentioned above, then please get in touch.

Until further notice the British Embassy has suspended all operations in Afghanistan and those wishing to apply for a visa to come to the UK from Afghanistan will need to attend an appointment at an application centre in another country with suitable identification. Afghan refugees in the UK whose close family members have left Afghanistan may be able to now sponsor those family members to come to the UK under the family reunion policy.

It is important to note that the process of applying under the family reunion policy takes many months and the outcome is often uncertain. Entering the UK under the ACRS, once the scheme is opened, may prove to be quicker and easier for those who fall within the prioritised groups.

How can Paragon Law help?

At Paragon Law our immigration lawyers can assist and advise individuals who are looking to come to the UK. If you require any assistance or advice in relation to any of the schemes mentioned, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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UK Immigration Routes for Afghan Refugees

The Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP)

The Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)

British nationals and their family members