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Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme — [Rushanara Ali in the Chair]
06 January 2022
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Victoria Atkins
Tags
TaxationEmploymentForeign Affairs
Word Count: 14002
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about afghan citizens resettlement scheme — [rushanara ali in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Shannon requested that the Government reconsider a four-year timeframe for the resettlement scheme, arguing that it is not justifiable when lives are at stake. He urged for more clarity on eligibility criteria and a faster application process to help vulnerable Afghans escape imminent danger.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Jim Shannon expressed gratitude for the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme and acknowledged the Government's efforts. However, he is deeply concerned about the urgency of the situation faced by religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan, such as Hazaras, Christians, Ahmadi Muslims, Baha'is, and Humanists. The Taliban's control has led to increased persecution and violence against these groups. Shannon cited Amnesty International's report highlighting the risks faced by Hazara Muslims and mentioned specific incidents involving targeted killings and torture.
Erith and Thamesmead
I mentioned that my office had received details of 400 Afghans, out of whom only seven managed to flee Afghanistan. The hon. Member expressed concerns about the lack of individual responses from the relevant Department in most cases. She also raised specific issues related to the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme: delays in decision-making for asylum claims submitted before the Taliban takeover; uncertainties regarding pathways for mixed-nationality families to join their relatives in the UK; and the need for clearer information on safe routes and timelines for evacuating eligible Afghans from Afghanistan. Noted that the local authority in her constituency, Greenwich, has not received the promised £100,000 from the Government for supporting Afghans who have arrived in the country.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Ms Thewliss highlighted the urgent need for families in Afghanistan to have safe and legal routes out of the country, citing the experiences of constituents who were unable to bring their wives and children over due to financial restrictions. She shared a constituent's email expressing frustration with lack of response from the UK Government regarding his family's biometric card expiry. Ms Thewliss also questioned what happens to those whose applications are still in process and called for more conversations between consulates, embassies, and other countries to facilitate safe passage out of Afghanistan.
Anne McLaughlin
SNP
Glasgow North West
She criticised the Conservative government for failing to live up to their promises made during Operation Warm Welcome, highlighting delays and bureaucratic issues. Anne mentioned that many cases were not even looked at due to failures within the Foreign Office. She also raised concerns about families in danger, those stuck in hotel accommodation in the UK, and the need for safe routes for eligible Afghans to be evacuated. Anne questioned the lack of progress made despite having months to make arrangements and expressed frustration over the Home Secretary's team scaling down commitments due to financial constraints. Described the desperate situation of an Afghan man who broke his leg on a dangerous journey to Iran, unable to afford medical treatment due to delays in the resettlement scheme. Emphasized the need for the Government to speed up and make necessary changes.
Southgate and Wood Green
Welcomes the opening of the Afghan citizen resettlement scheme but believes it should have happened months ago. Expresses concern for three Chevening alumni scholars who were unable to evacuate due to chaos at Kabul airport, asking about how they can access the third route prioritising them and bringing their families. Inquires about refugees in third countries being able to access the ACRS and the role of UNHCR in referrals. Suggests that local councils need proper support for integration efforts from central government. Advocates for Barnardo's expertise on resettlement, especially for children. Requests information on support for MPs responding to constituent inquiries.
Fiona Bruce
Con
Congleton
Expressed concern about the delay in providing refuge and support for vulnerable religious minorities, specifically mentioning Shi'a Muslims, Hazaras, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, non-believers. Highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the need for clarity on how the UK is fulfilling its commitment to protect these groups under the ACRS.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
I thank the hon. Gentleman for securing this debate at this important time, and for highlighting the plight of the Hazara community. Relatives among my constituents have been in touch with me. Does he share my concern that there is no way to apply for the scheme? Relatives in the Hazara community have no way of knowing whether their family members are in the system and should be contacted within the next six months or a year. It is very unclear whether those people are going to be safe, despite the fact that they are in hiding and in fear of their lives. Fleur Anderson intervened to raise concerns about how Afghan Christians, who are converts from Islam and considered apostates under Taliban rule, can be identified for the resettlement scheme.
Jack Dromey
Lab
Birmingham Erdington
Congratulated Ms Ali on chairing the debate, thanked Jim Shannon for securing it, and echoed the shadow Home Secretary's thanks to service personnel. Stressed the importance of supporting Afghans who trusted in Britain after its failure in Afghanistan. Criticized the delay in announcing the resettlement scheme details and questioned the Government's commitment to their 20,000 target pledge. Raised concerns over British nationals being included in the resettlement scheme at the expense of other Afghans. Called for a clear commitment from the Minister on full funding and family reunion provisions.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Ms Cherry paid tribute to Jim Shannon's work on the issue and expressed concern about the UK Government's handling of the Afghan resettlement. She highlighted the moral responsibility towards those who supported the creation of a democratic state in Afghanistan, especially women who worked as judges and prosecutors under western rule. She mentioned that these women are at risk due to their civic contribution and gender. Ms Cherry discussed her work with Marzia Babakarkhail, a former Afghan judge who lives in Oldham, to raise awareness for female judges and prosecutors left behind in Afghanistan.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Discussed the impact of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme in Wycombe, noting that about one-sixth of constituents are British Asians with connections to Afghanistan. Emphasized the importance of supporting those who have family or friends in Afghanistan and highlighted concerns regarding visa entitlements for people expecting to join their families in the UK. Called on the Minister to address how individuals should proceed if they believe their relatives are entitled to visas, respecting Pakistan's interests.
Government Response
Victoria Atkins
Government Response
May I say what a pleasure it is to serve under your chairmanship on your first outing, Ms Ali? Well chaired, if I may make that observation. I congratulate the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) on securing this important debate. We understand the concerns and are trying everything we can to work with countries outside of Afghanistan to find safe routes. The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme includes three pathways: those already evacuated in the UK, individuals who faced risks during evacuation, and a UNHCR route for people at risk who supported the UK and international community efforts. Funding for British nationals is not permitted under an Act from 2002, but their families will be supported under the ACRS. We are supporting those who were evacuated in Kabul and want to support them further. The third pathway covers those who are at risk and have supported the UK or international community, including staff from GardaWorld. Colleagues across the House have asked about British Council contractors, Chevening alumni, and more, and we plan to honour commitments to those at risk in these groups. We are working closely with countries in the region to find safe routes for Afghans, managing relationships with respect and exploring every avenue. I am grateful to colleagues who set out important details, such as senior judges needing protection. Eligible British nationals include those evacuated from Afghanistan by UK military or NATO countries during Operation Pitting. We want to continue caring for them and their families. The community sponsorship scheme is being reviewed and expanded based on the Canadian model. Funding instructions are in place, and if there are issues, my officials will pursue matters with chief executives.
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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.