Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy 2023-05-15
2023-05-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The adequacy of the timescales for processing applications to the Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme is being assessed.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the timescales for processing applications to the Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme?
The Ministry of Defence continues to process ARAP applications at pace, thanks to the recruitment of more caseworkers and improved systems and processes. In the first four months of 2023 we issued more than 12,200 eligibility decisions. We aim to process all outstanding initial applications by August 2023.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A family trapped in Afghanistan is still waiting for their case to be processed, affecting the reputation of UK armed forces.
I have written to the Minister about a family still trapped in Afghanistan whose case was being processed by the MOD but this affects our military's standing. Does the Minister recognise that the shambles over treating Afghan refugees is damaging the reputation of our military?
The ARAP scheme is being honoured and continues as a major line of effort by the MOD, processing hundreds of thousands of applications aimed at those who served alongside UK forces. The MOD is putting significant effort into delivering the evacuation of those who served with UK forces.
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Assessment & feedback
Damage to military's reputation from treating Afghan refugees
Honouring Arap
Major Line Of Effort
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
People who served with UK armed forces in Afghanistan may face danger even when they cross into Pakistan without proper documentation.
Does my right hon. Friend accept that people serving with UK forces are not out of danger even in Pakistan? If they enter illegally, they could be sent back. What pressure is being put on Pakistani authorities to ensure no one who served with British forces is repatriated?
The Pakistan Government have cooperated in helping us deliver ARAP. We are not encouraging illegal border crossing, and the consular section at our high commission in Islamabad supports those waiting for transportation to the UK. If specific cases of risk or pursuit arise, I am ready to take them up with the authorities through our high commission.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy