Round 240 Afghans who assisted British forces in Afghanistan are ready to be relocated regardless of being promised safety not less than six months in the past, based on official figures.
The Authorities has been accused of “failing” Afghan nationals in danger after the Taliban swept again into energy in August 2021, with the Liberal Democrats describing the scenario as “scandalous”.
The roughly 240 individuals are eligible below the Afghan Relocations and Help Coverage (Arap), which was set as much as help former domestically employed workers in Afghanistan and relocate them to the UK.
Defence minister James Heappey stated the Authorities is relocating individuals as rapidly as potential however that there are “a spread of potential points which may delay the motion of people”, together with documentation and safety considerations.
Britain has an ethical obligation to help and shield themLabour shadow defence secretary John Healey
Labour shadow defence secretary John Healey stated: “The Conservatives are failing Afghans who supported our armed forces.
“The Authorities is just not coping with Arap relocations and purposes quick sufficient, whereas Afghans who labored alongside UK personnel are at grave danger from the Taliban. Britain has an ethical obligation to help and shield them.”
“Ministers urgently want to repair the Arap scheme.”
Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Jamie Stone added: “The variety of individuals promised safety below the Arap scheme and never but relocated to the UK is scandalous.
“These individuals put their lives on the road to assist UK forces in the course of the conflict, and had been promised the prospect to begin a brand new life right here within the UK.
“As a substitute, they’ve been left in limbo by the Conservative Authorities. I urge the Defence Secretary to resolve this challenge immediately.”
To this point, round 10,000 individuals have been dropped at the UK below the Arap scheme because it was launched in 2021.
However the Authorities has come below sustained criticism all through the method over the velocity of relocations and considerations for many who had been nonetheless in Afghanistan and doubtlessly in danger when the Taliban took over the nation final yr.
Responding to a written parliamentary query from Labour, defence minister Mr Heappey stated: “As of August 31 2022, we're conscious of roughly 240 Afghan Relocations and Help Coverage eligible principals, who acquired an eligibility determination both on or prior to twenty-eight February 28 2022, that haven't been relocated to the UK.
“We're relocating people and their relations as rapidly as potential and have relocated over a thousand people over the summer season interval.
“There are a selection of potential points which may delay the motion of people, together with documentation and safety concerns however we're actively speaking with all people to take away these limitations as rapidly as potential.”