Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Update on the Afghan Resettlement Programme

28 April 2026 · Ministry of Defence

Proposed by Luke Pollard Lab Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport

Asylum & Refugees

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The MOD plans to conclude the Afghan Resettlement Programme by making all remaining eligibility decisions by spring next year.
  • In-country assistance for movements out of Afghanistan will end, and reliance on transitional accommodation provided by the Defence Estate will be reduced.
  • Two hotels used by the programme will be closed by May, though support for those resettled will continue until 2028.

Issue summary

The statement provides an update on the progress and changes to the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) and outlines steps towards its conclusion.

Action requested

The MOD aims to conclude ARP in this Parliament by making all remaining eligibility decisions by spring next year, ending in-country assistance for movements out of Afghanistan, reducing reliance on transitional accommodation provided by the Defence Estate, and closing two hotels by May. The programme will continue support until 2028.

Key facts

  • As of now, there are fewer than 17,000 outstanding applications, down from circa 25,000 in July 2025.
  • There are fewer than 9,000 eligible Afghans still to relocate to the UK.
  • The MOD has ceased running transitional sites on the Defence Estate and is piloting an approach that empowers Local Authorities to make tailored decisions on accommodation.
  • Two of six hotels used for transitional accommodation will be closed by May.
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