Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Afghan Citizens: Asylum Policies

Monday 5 September 2022 · 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

  • Deidre Brock inquired about the impact of current asylum policies on Afghan citizens and expressed concern over expert groups labeling resettlement schemes as unjustifiably restrictive.
  • The Minister responded by emphasizing the focus on those most in need of resettlement in Afghanistan and highlighted the successful evacuation efforts of the previous year.
  • Stephen Kinnock questioned the Minister regarding the costs of housing 10,000 Afghans in bridging hotels and inquired why pathway 2 does not permit certain groups to apply for asylum.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Deidre Brock SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP inquired about the impact of recent asylum policies on Afghan citizens seeking refuge and humanitarian protection in the UK.

Question

I am concerned about the potential impact of our current asylum policies on Afghan citizens who seek refuge and humanitarian protection. What assessment has she made of these policies?

Answer from Kevin Foster

Our United Kingdom has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those in need through our resettlement schemes. The new plan for immigration will ensure that our resources can be focused on those in most need of resettlement around the world, including in Afghanistan, rather than on those who can pay a people smuggler.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact on Afghan citizens was not assessed directly.

How: Focused Resources On Needs, People Smugglers

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Q2 Deidre Brock SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP raised concerns about recent reports by expert groups highlighting restrictive measures in the UK's resettlement schemes.

Question

Nine expert groups last month found the UK government's resettlement schemes to be 'unjustifiably restrictive', especially concerning Afghan women and girls, or oppressed minority groups. Does he share my concern?

Answer from Kevin Foster

We need to focus our efforts on those who need resettlement and safety and are under threat in Afghanistan, rather than on those who prefer to be here than in another safe and democratic country. Last year's evacuation brought people to safety in the UK.

Not addressed: Did not address expert groups' findings directly.

How: Focus Efforts, Safe Countries

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Q3 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Immigration Foreign Affairs Veterans
Context

The MP acknowledged the work done by teams in facilitating relocation of Afghans who worked with UK operations.

Question

Will the Minister confirm that those Afghans who assisted British armed forces are a priority, and thank him for the work of Home Office teams enabling MPs to help people fleeing persecution?

Answer from Kevin Foster

Those who worked with UK operations would liaise primarily with our colleagues in the Ministry of Defence, and we facilitate relocation to the UK under ARAP scheme where appropriate. Home Office teams do outstanding work enabling MPs to help people fleeing persecution.

Answered
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Q4 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP highlighted the cost to mental health of Afghans in bridging hotels and questioned pathway 2's ability to support women judges and LGBT activists.

Question

With 10,000 Afghans still stuck in bridging hotels at a daily cost of £1.4 million, can he explain why pathway 2 does not allow women judges or LGBT activists to apply for asylum from Afghanistan?

Answer from Kevin Foster

We are proud of what we have done, including one of the biggest evacuations since war years. About 7,400 people moved into new homes since ARAP flights in June. We work with local authorities to provide more accommodation but need to be clear about working with communities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for pathway 2 restrictions were not provided.

How: Proud Of Efforts, Local Community Cooperation

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