Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support the Government is providing to Afghanistan-based spouses of Afghan interpreters who are based in the UK in cases where the marriage occurred after the interpreter re-settled in the UK.

The Government recognises the vital role of interpreters in operations in Afghanistan. This is why there are two dedicated schemes designed to help them relocate to the UK: the ex-gratia scheme and the Afghan relocations and assistance policy (ARAP). Over 1,300 former Afghan interpreters, and their family members, have been relocated to the UK under these schemes since 2014.

Under the immigration rules, only partners and dependent children under the age of 18, who are not married or leading an independent life are eligible under the relocation schemes.

We will consider exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis taking into account the level of risk faced and family dependencies.

Those who apply and are approved for relocation are brought to the UK as soon as suitable accommodation has been sourced and support arrangements are in place.