Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme: Pathway 3

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.

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.

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.

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visa, highlighting that the policy remains too opaque and difficult to navigate more than a year after troops were withdrawn.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.

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.

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.

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.