Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will prioritise the safe passage to the UK for Afghanistan’s junior female football team.

The Home Office is working at pace to finalise visas for Afghanistan’s Girls Development National Youth football team and looks forward to welcoming them to the UK shortly.

We have been working closely with the NGOs and relevant partners to ensure that there are adequate arrangements in place to support the safe relocation of the team members and their families in the UK. This remains a priority for the Home Office and FCDO who continue to support the team in Pakistan and work through the application process.

The Government is committed to doing all it can to support those most in need, including vulnerable women and girls, and those at risk who have had to flee Afghanistan.