Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme 2023-10-24
2023-10-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted concerns about the resettlement of Afghan citizens under pathway 3 of the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme. She referenced the urgent need for accommodation and support in third countries.
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to provide rapid resettlement routes under pathway 3 of the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme?
The FCDO has referred more than 1,450 people under ACRS pathway 3 to the Home Office. We are supporting more than 900 Afghans in third countries, for instance with accommodation, and we are grateful to Pakistan for the work we do together to that end. Of course, we remain committed to relocating all eligible Afghan families to the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete actions or timelines for rapid resettlement routes under pathway 3.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern about relatives of her constituents in Afghanistan who worked for the British Government and asked what support is being provided to those who helped the UK's mission.
What is the Minister doing to keep the Government's promise of further support for those who helped the UK's mission in Afghanistan?
We continue our diplomatic efforts, including through supporting those Afghans in third countries. We have relocated more than 21,000 Afghans under the Afghans relocations and assistance policy—ARAP—and the ACRS, and we will continue to do that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions taken by the minister or a timeline for further support.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP urged the government to resolve housing issues urgently for British Council contractors and their families waiting in Pakistan due to a threat from Pakistani authorities.
May I urge the Government to resolve that housing issue urgently, given the Pakistani authorities' threat to return the contractors to Afghanistan next month? That would be a disaster, and we need to sort it out now.
We are acutely aware of the challenge. We are working at pace with our mission in Pakistan and we are seized of the natural justice required and the fact that we need to do our duty to those people. That is why the full pace of our institutional effort is focused on doing just that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify a timeline or concrete actions for resolving the housing issue.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern about the ongoing situation for Afghans who assisted UK efforts and are now living in fear of arrest or deportation.
How many are still waiting and how much longer will they have to wait?
Respectfully, we have not left them in limbo. The situation is extremely difficult because of the depredations of—the tyrannical regime of the Taliban; that is why we are in this situation. We have relocated more than 21,000 people, and we continue to work at pace with our mission in Pakistan and elsewhere to ensure that these people get the support they need.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific numbers or a timeline for those awaiting resettlement.
Response accuracy