Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Safe Asylum Routes: Afghan Refugees

17 October 2023 · 5 other contributors · 4,965 words

Opened by Barry Gardiner Lab Brent West

Responding minister: Robert Jenrick

Asylum & Refugees

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Barry Gardiner raised concerns about safe asylum routes: afghan refugees in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The Government's Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) achieved only 107 resettlements out of a promised 5,000 in the first year.
  • ARAP scheme received over 141,000 applications but only 73 Afghans managed to relocate under this scheme in the past year.
  • The Government remains committed to supporting individuals affected by events in Afghanistan through indefinite leave to remain, access to benefits, healthcare, and education.

Key requests to Government

The Minister should publish criteria for pathway 3 eligibility extension, expedite ARAP applications, especially those from Pakistan, increase caseworkers on the ARAP scheme, commit to a date for publishing information on Afghan refugee family reunion under ACRS pathway 1, and review the unsafe journey policy to ensure it does not put vulnerable individuals at greater risk.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Barry Gardiner Lab Brent West

The Government's Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) has underperformed, with only 107 out of a promised 5,000 resettlements achieved in the first year. Only 66 people were resettled through pathway 2 and just 41 through pathway 3. Additionally, ARAP has received over 141,000 applications but only 73 Afghans managed to relocate under this scheme in the past year. The processing of category 1 applicants is delayed, with only five positive decisions made between April 2021 and January 2023.

Other contributors (5)
  • Caroline Lucas

    I express concern about a constituent instructed by the Government to make a dangerous journey from Afghanistan to Pakistan and has been living in one room since May, with documents expiring. I request immediate action to prevent this family being sent back to danger in less than 13 days.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    I bring up the case of a gentleman who worked alongside my constituent in the British Army and is now living under threat in Pakistan with his family, awaiting to be relocated to Northern Ireland. I remind the Minister that we are still waiting for a successful outcome.

  • John Baron Con Basildon and Billericay

    I thank my right hon. Friend for giving way and put on the record our thanks to the Prime Minister for his intervention, allowing contractors hiding from the Taliban in Afghanistan to continue their applications safely in third countries like Pakistan. I raise concerns about a logjam due to housing shortages and nearing quota of 1,500 under ACRS pathway 3 scheme.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    I raise concerns about two Hazara families in my constituency who came under the UNHCR scheme and were stuck in Pakistan, with one family already returned to Afghanistan. I urge for urgent action to ensure these families are not sent back to danger.

  • Sam Tarry

    Colleagues have covered many points, but I specifically request guidance on ACRS pathway 1 to ensure offices can properly advise applicants without fear of invalid applications. This would provide clarity and support for families wishing to reunite.

Government Response

Robert Jenrick

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Ms McVey and I congratulate the hon. Member for Brent North on securing the debate. Since June 2021, around 24,600 people affected by events in Afghanistan have been brought to safety in the UK, including British nationals and their families, Afghans who loyally served the UK, and those identified as at risk. The Government remains committed to supporting these individuals through indefinite leave to remain, access to benefits, healthcare, education, and employment support. Specific measures include considering for resettlement all eligible British Council and GardaWorld contractors and Chevening alumni who expressed interest during the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's window of opportunity, exceeding the original allocation of 1,500 places for the first stage of ACRS pathway 3. The challenge lies in providing satisfactory accommodation upon arrival, involving collaboration with local authorities to ensure individuals do not languish in hotels as seen previously. The Government aims to house individuals swiftly and avoid such scenarios by bringing forward more properties through various means including service family accommodation units. The debate highlights the need for a sustainable and well-managed immigration scheme supported by local councils.

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