Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps are being taken to support the processing of refugees from Afghanistan in surrounding countries given that voluntary repatriation to their home countries is the preferred long-term outcome for refugees.

As the Prime Minister announced on 19 August, UK aid to Afghanistan will double to £286 million this financial year, of which £30 million has been made available to humanitarian partners to support neighbouring countries which experience a significant increase in refugees. This money will be used to provide essential services and supplies such shelters and the setting up sanitation and hygiene facilities.