Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Afghan Nationals: Evacuation

Monday 15 November 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The ARAP scheme remains open and has relocated 100 Afghan nationals from third countries in the past week.
  • Pakistan has been supportive in incidents and plays an influential role in regional security, though no specific guarantee of safe passage is provided by the Government.
  • Individuals settled under the ARAP scheme are given indefinite leave to remain.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Correspondence received from the Minister for the Armed Forces indicates that some constituents' family members may be eligible for the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme. The wait for this has been unbearable.

Question

What steps are being taken to help evacuate at-risk Afghan nationals? What discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues about opening the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and when will it open?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The ARAP scheme remains open with 100 Afghan nationals relocated from third countries in the past week. The Home Office stewards the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and policy decisions are best directed there.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific date for opening of the resettlement scheme, details about legal support

How: Pointing To Other Departments

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Q2 Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby
Asylum & Refugees Foreign Affairs
Context

Pakistan's role in supporting those fleeing Afghanistan is under scrutiny.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Pakistan, with its poor record of Taliban support, poses a dangerous environment for Afghan refugees? Will the Government ensure safe passage to the UK for people hiding there?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Pakistan has been supportive in incidences and plays an influential role in regional security. The Government presses Pakistan on issues like terrorism, but also works with it. No specific guarantee of safe passage is provided.

Not addressed: Guarantees for safe passage from Pakistan to the UK

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Immigration
Context

ARAP evacuees are facing a deadline on their leave to remain, having been given only six months when they left Afghanistan.

Question

Permanent residency is crucial for ARAP evacuees building new lives. What steps are being taken with Home Office colleagues to ensure they receive indefinite leave to remain?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Individuals settled under the ARAP scheme are given indefinite leave to remain.

Answered
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Q4 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Almost 200 Afghans who worked with the British Council, now eligible for ARAP, remain in Afghanistan in danger.

Question

What more can be done to help these people who are hiding from the Taliban and in fear of their lives?

Answer from Ben Wallace

A surgery will be held for colleagues on both sides of the House involving Ministers from other Departments to address individual cases brought by Members.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Immediate assistance or specific plan for those in danger

How: Offering A General Process

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