Refugees: Afghanistan

(asked on 10th December 2021) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when each Afghan national who arrived in the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, Operation Pitting and the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme will be awarded Indefinite Leave to Remain.


Answered by
Victoria Atkins Portrait
Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
This question was answered on 20th December 2021

In recognition of the urgency of the evacuation and the need to act quickly, the majority of those who entered the UK during the evacuation phase were granted limited leave to enter, usually for 6 months, with access to public funds and employment. This status is not a bar to them being permanently housed or to starting their life in the UK, including taking employment.

The Home Office has now started the process to support all those currently in the UK with 6 months leave to apply for and be granted ILR. We will be providing support for the completion of application forms, which will be required to ensure we obtain up to date personal information and to obtain the necessary biometric resident permit consent. Our aim is to conclude this process before anyone’s leave expires.

Communications have been issued advising individuals of next steps to progress permanent residence in the UK. Amongst the information provided, those communications confirm individuals’ rights to employment and to access services (e.g. medical treatment, school places). They also provide links to guidance and information on how prospective employers and landlords can contact the Home Office to confirm individuals’ right to take employment and rented accommodation.

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