Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme — [Rushanara Ali in the Chair]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.