Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that eligible Afghans in Afghanistan are able to access the Afghan Citizens Relocation Scheme.

In January 2022, we launched the scheme, with some of those evacuated under Op PITTING being granted a place on the ACRS and, in June 2022, we launched two further referral pathways onto the scheme.

The two further referral pathways onto the ACRS will continue to see individuals resettled to the UK. Beyond the first year of the third pathway, the Government will work with international partners and NGOs to welcome wider groups of Afghans at risk. Further detail will be set out in due course.

This is one of the most ambitious resettlement schemes in our country’s history and we are proud to offer a safe and legal route to those affected by events in Afghanistan. We look forward to welcoming new arrivals to the UK and supporting them to rebuild their lives.

We continue to work, including with likeminded partners and countries neighbouring Afghanistan, on resettlement issues and to support safe passage for eligible Afghans.