Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to issue visas to those Afghan nationals who worked as translators with the British Armed Forces; and whether such visas will be issued on the same basis as the process already launched in the United States for Afghan nationals who worked as translators with the United States military.

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

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.