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Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme: Pathway 3
19 January 2023
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Andrew Mitchell
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 13584
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about afghan citizens resettlement scheme: pathway 3 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr Jim Shannon asks the government to clarify the status of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme pathway three, particularly regarding its implementation for religious minorities, LGBT individuals, and pro-democracy activists. He also seeks assurance that urgent action will be taken to protect those at high risk from Taliban rule.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr Jim Shannon is concerned about the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme's pathway three, which aims to help at-risk religious minorities, LGBT individuals, and pro-democracy activists in Afghanistan. He highlights the confusion regarding when people could start receiving assistance under this scheme, despite over 11,400 expressions of interest being submitted seven months after its launch. Shannon emphasizes the urgency and lack of clarity surrounding the protection of vulnerable groups such as Hazaras, Christians, and LGBT individuals who face severe persecution and risk in Afghanistan.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Ms Abrahams highlighted the severe restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan, including education, employment, travel, and freedom of speech. She emphasised that 70 Afghan female judges are at risk due to being on the Taliban's hitlist. The current number resettled under the scheme is only around 6,000 out of a commitment of 20,000.
John Baron
Con
Basildon and Thurrock
Expressed dismay at the Government's retraction of assurances given during a previous debate, pointing out inconsistencies between Hansard records and actual policy implementation. Mr. Baron expressed concern about the lack of clarity and progress in the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme pathway 3, noting that despite assurances given during a previous debate, significant uncertainties remain for 150 British Council contractors and their families who are still waiting to hear if they can leave Afghanistan. Asked for clarity on the status of 200 British Council contractors under ACRS pathway 3, highlighting that 47 have been given permission to leave and 150 are still awaiting confirmation or being ignored by the Government.
Lyn Brown
Lab
Tottenham
Only if I get my full 10 minutes. Discussed the plight of Afghan individuals such as Zuhra, who worked for the British Council and now face danger due to lack of government support. Criticised the Government's failure to match the urgency of pleas for help from Afghans in need. Raised concerns over pathway 2 resettlement figures being abysmally low at just four people since withdrawal from Kabul. Emphasized that the FCDO owes a debt of protection to those who helped establish positive and secure relationships with Afghanistan.
Margaret Ferrier
Ind Dem
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
A case was raised regarding a constituent's young wife who is waiting for approval on a spousal visa, highlighting that the policy remains too opaque and difficult to navigate more than a year after troops were withdrawn. Ms Ferrier briefly intervened to ask for further information on Ms Abrahams' points about the resettlement scheme. Ms. Ferrier questioned whether pathway 3 downplays the severity of harm faced by those eligible, pointing out that it does not offer refugee status and could be seen as excusing low numbers resettled under the scheme.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Ms Blake emphasised the need for a more substantial resettlement commitment, highlighting that over 1.2 million Afghans have fled to neighbouring countries since August 2021, with only 6,000 settled through pathway 1 in the UK. She criticised the current scheme's pace and scale, noting that 15% of small boat arrivals from Afghanistan are due to a lack of safe routes. Ms Blake also called for urgent implementation of family reunion policies and expansion of pathway criteria. Asked if the figure of 1,500 includes dependants or if they are in addition to that number, expressing concern over lack of clarity.
Stuart McDonald
SNP
Coatbridge and Chryston
Thanked hon. Members for their contributions, highlighted the Foreign Affairs Committee's report describing the withdrawal from Afghanistan as a disaster and betrayal of allies. Criticised the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme for being inadequate due to restrictive criteria, limited ambition, and slow implementation. Emphasized the need for uncapped ARAP schemes to cover British Council staff, contractors, and Chevening alumni. Suggested more pathways for vulnerable groups like LGBT community, religious minorities, political activists, and women. Called for family reunion pathways and criticised the criminalisation of irregular arrivals. Asked for a defence of the 1,500 cap on resettlement numbers, questioning why there is a limit when people are at risk for assisting the UK mission.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
I congratulate the hon. Member for Strangford, highlighting the importance of the debate and discussing the impact of Taliban control in Afghanistan, particularly on women and girls. The Government's resettlement schemes have not fulfilled their promises to those who helped the UK's mission, and many refugees remain stuck in hotels with no specific route to apply under pathway 3. Only about eight members of staff are working on the Afghan resettlement scheme in the Foreign Office. Highlighted issues with security check criteria, noting that providing a secure address is often impossible for refugees who are moving around and hiding.
Government Response
Andrew Mitchell
Government Response
May I express my delight, privilege, personal pleasure and honour at serving under your chairmanship, Sir Charles? I am grateful to the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon), whose energy, knowledge and omnipresence we all admire and envy, and I congratulate him on securing the debate. It is my pleasure to respond on behalf of the Government. As the duty Minister, I am a poor substitute for the Minister responsible, but I will do my best... The UK Government remain committed to offering a safe and legal route to the UK for eligible British Council, GardaWorld and Chevening alumni affected by the appalling events in Afghanistan in August 2021. I acknowledge and understand the strength of feeling in the House about the speed of progress. The Government remain acutely aware of the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and are working with partners to try to influence the Taliban. We are also working at pace to deliver on our commitment to relocate eligible Afghans who supported the UK mission and our wider values and are at risk as a result. I look forward to the day we can confirm to the House that we have succeeded in repaying that debt of honour.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.