Still Waiting: the Afghans Abandoned by the UK

We’re proud to launch our new report, “Still Waiting: the Afghans Abandoned by the UK.”

This report has been produced in partnership with members of the Afghan community. It's published as part of the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative (APBI), a joint project we deliver with Safe Passage and our law firm partners.

“Still Waiting: The Afghans Abandoned by the UK” sheds light on the unfulfilled promises and bureaucratic hurdles that have left so many Afghans in vulnerable positions.

Over the past three years, Afghans have faced severe and ongoing challenges. Despite promises from the UK government to implement resettlement schemes, they have failed to deliver.

This report builds on findings from our 2023 report, “Two Years of Empty Promises” which highlighted the urgent need for reform within the UK’s Afghan resettlement schemes and family reunion policies.

Unfortunately, there has been little change since this publication.

We’re once again calling on the UK government to prioritise the safety of Afghans.

“Still Waiting” evaluates the available resettlement schemes and highlights the challenges each scheme presents. Each has been plagued with inconsistent decision making, lengthy delays, and legal complexities. This makes the system incredibly difficult to navigate, and distressing for those who the UK government promised to protect.

The failure to implement accessible resettlement schemes has real-life implications. Many vulnerable Afghans are trapped in grave danger, either in Afghanistan or in surrounding countries. Increasing hostility from the authorities in Pakistan and Iran make this an urgent issue.

The findings in “Still Waiting” come from extensive casework, research, and meaningful conversations with community members and clients. We’ve held focus group discussions with a diverse range of community members to ensure the voices of the Afghan community resonate throughout.

We’re calling on policymakers to act swiftly to implement the recommendations within this report. These include:

Immediate actions:

Create scheme specific family reunion routes
Establish a clear timeline for ACRS pathways
Conclude the resettlement of eligible applicants
Lower the ARAP threshold for ‘imminent threat’ cases
Create a safe pathway for Triples members
Flexibility in documentation requirements
Remove requirement to have secure accommodation prior to arrival
Apply a flexible and humane approach to biometric requirements

Additional suggestions:

Regular and clear communication
Improve training for caseworkers
Establish a community feedback group
Ensure all Afghan arrivals are informed about their legal status, rights and obligations in the UK

“In reading this report, I urge you to reflect on the human cost of inaction and the vital importance of meaningful change. For every Afghan left behind, there is a story of loss, resilience, and a search for hope. It is within our power to ensure this hope is realised.” - Shamim Sarabi, Community Engagement and Research Lead of APBI Project

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