Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy

Monday 15 November 2021 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Afghan relocations and assistance policy remains operational with a dedicated team at the permanent joint headquarters.
  • The Government estimates that about 800 principals and their families might be eligible through ARAP.
  • Defence Ministers meet Home Office Ministers regularly to discuss issues related to the Afghan relocations and assistance policy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Warburton Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP inquired about the continued operation of the Afghan relocations and assistance policy, which is crucial for eligible individuals seeking safe passage to the UK.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to maintain the operation of the Afghan relocations and assistance policy?

Answer from James Heappey

Our Afghan relocations and assistance policy remains open with a dedicated team working at the permanent joint headquarters. The MP recently visited the region to identify ways to support third-country and in-country applicants, and we are collaborating with allies and partners to explore every possible avenue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps taken by the department were not detailed beyond general statements.

How: Working With A Wide Range Of Allies And Partners

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Q2 David Warburton Con
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asked about the government's assessment regarding how many people in Afghanistan qualify for relocation and what steps are being taken to ensure their safe exit.

Question

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his response. I appreciate that much of the information around the Government's support for those in Afghanistan is sensitive, but can he update the House on whether the Government have made an assessment of how many people still in Afghanistan qualify for the scheme and what steps the Government are taking to ensure that they are able to leave safely?

Answer from James Heappey

We estimate about 800 principals plus their families might be eligible through ARAP. However, this process relies on third-country cooperation, which regulates flow. We aim to bring people here in the largest numbers possible and maintain relationships with regional countries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete steps to facilitate safe exit for qualified individuals were not detailed beyond general statements.

How: Working Hard To Maintain Those Permissions

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Q3 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Immigration NHS Veterans
Context

Afghan interpreters settled in Newport East are awaiting the reunification with their families who have been staying in bridging hotels for several months, waiting for biometric resident permits.

Question

Afghan interpreters who previously settled in Newport East are still waiting to be reunited with their families who have been stuck in bridging hotels waiting for biometric resident permits for some months now. What are Defence Ministers doing to impress upon Home Office Ministers the need to sort this out?

Answer from James Heappey

I meet Home Office Ministers regularly, as does my hon. Friend leading on ARAP personnel reception within the UK. If the MP writes with details of those she represents, it will be passed to Home Office Ministers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions taken by Defence Ministers were not detailed beyond offering to pass information along.

How: If The Hon. Lady Would Like To Write To Him With The Detail

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