Relocation from Afghanistan 2022-01-10
2022-01-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises in the context of ongoing efforts to relocate individuals from Afghanistan, involving cooperation with third countries like Pakistan.
What steps is his Department taking to support the relocation of (a) vulnerable Afghans and (b) British nationals from Afghanistan? Clearly mentioning that over 2,000 people have come to the UK since the end of Operation Pitting, and more routes are being facilitated through cooperation with partners in the region.
More than 2,000 people have come to the UK since the end of Operation Pitting. The Department continues to work with partners in the region to facilitate more routes for relocation. This includes cooperation with Pakistan and other regional capitals.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the potential deportation of Afghans with UK visas from Pakistan back to Afghanistan due to unhealthy ties between parts of the Pakistani state and the Afghan Taliban.
Given the unhealthy closeness of ties between parts of the Pakistani state and the Afghan Taliban, what assurances and assistance will be given to Afghans in hiding in Pakistan who may have been issued with UK visas that they will not be deported back to Afghanistan by the Pakistani authorities when presenting themselves at an airport?
Individuals arriving in Pakistan with correct paperwork are facilitated by the British high commission. However, a challenge remains for those without papers, which is discussed with Islamabad and other regional capitals.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances and assistance not provided.
Flirting With Operational Detail
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Inquiry into the status of ARAP families relocated to the UK, focusing on the number granted indefinite leave to remain.
How many ARAP families now in the United Kingdom have been granted indefinite leave to remain?
Indefinite leave to remain is an automatic part of the ARAP scheme. More than 5,000 ARAP-eligible personnel were brought out during Operation Pitting, and around 1,100 of the 2,000 who have come since are also ARAPers. About another 150 or so from the original cohort remain in Afghanistan, with ongoing efforts to bring them out.
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Assessment & feedback
Number of families specifically not provided.
Response accuracy