Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) dependents and (b) extended family members have been requested to join Afghans residing in Service Families Accommodation.

Under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), the Ministry of Defence does not categorise under the terms dependents and extended family members. The Ministry of Defence currently accommodates all those within the scope of the ARAP scheme in temporary and long-term accommodation on the Defence Estate. This takes place on a case-by-case basis in accordance with individual needs, as well as family size and available capacity. In the event family members are separated, we aim to reunite them, however the ability to do so depends on a variety of factors such as family size and specific needs.

The Secretary of State for Defence recently made an announcement regarding the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP). The ARP is a cross-Government delivery programme that will improve efficiency, value for money and outcomes across Afghan Resettlement. Alongside British personnel, many Afghans also worked with commitment and courage to support the UK mission in Afghanistan. This Government has always supported the aims of the Afghan resettlement schemes and we will deliver its commitments to those in Afghanistan who are eligible to relocate and resettle in the UK.