Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK owes “a debt of gratitude to those who have worked to make Afghanistan a better place for the last 20 years” and “many, particularly women, are in urgent need of help”. Johnson spoke to the president of the USA after finalising the scheme. They agreed to cooperate on an evacuation plan. Priti Patel, the home secretary, said refugees can now “start a new life in the UK, in safety, away from tyranny and oppression”.
The scheme is similar to one that started in 2014 for Syrians. 20,000 people have now been resettled since 2014, prioritising torture survivors, those with serious medical conditions and women who have children. Questions will be raised why the number is so similar – Afghanistan’s population is double Syria’s and the UK was an active participant in the recent conflict.
Lord Dubs said the programme is not ambitious enough. “If Canada can take 20,000, why are we only taking the same over five years?” he said. “I think the criteria are right, but people are in danger now and in desperate need for safety.” He said ministers had previously “sneered” at Afghan men in Calais and refused to believe that they were fleeing the Taliban.
Of the 20,000 Afghans allowed to settle in the UK over the next five years, 5,000 are expected to arrive this year. The programme runs separately to ARAP – the Afghan relocations and assistance policy, which offers relocation for people who aided British operations during the war in Afghanistan.
Scarsdale Greater Manchester Immigration Solicitors
Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham, Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester or Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale are specialist immigration solicitors in Greater Manchester for immigration and criminal law advice. We are also highly regarded family law and divorce solicitors. Scarsdale Solicitors are a modern, dynamic and fast-moving practice. Call our Manchester Immigration solicitors, Rochdale immigration solicitors or Oldham immigration solicitors today on 0161 660 6050 to book a consultation.
