The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The UK Government has announced major changes to the Afghan resettlement programme, including ending in-country evacuation support and setting new deadlines for relocation, as it moves to wind down the scheme.
In a written statement issued on April 28, 2026, the
government confirmed that Afghans approved for relocation must now arrange
their own travel to a third country to complete visa processing, as assistance
for leaving Afghanistan has been discontinued.
Previously, eligible individuals could receive logistical
support from the Ministry of Defence, including travel planning, border guidance,
and coordination with third-party organizations. Under the new policy,
applicants must independently reach a visa application center abroad and inform
authorities in advance.
The changes affect both the Afghan Relocations and
Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghanistan Response Route. Officials estimate
that fewer than 9,000 eligible individuals remain to be relocated, with all
decisions expected by spring 2027.
The government said the decision was based on increased
cases of self-relocation, reassessment of risks, and cost considerations.
However, it has not disclosed detailed risk assessments.
Eligible Afghans—many of whom face serious threats from the
Taliban due to past affiliations—may encounter significant challenges leaving
the country, including border restrictions, lack of documentation, and
financial hardship.
Under the revised rules, applicants now have 12 months to
reach a visa application center after receiving eligibility confirmation. A
final deadline of December 2028 has been set for completing relocations, except
in exceptional cases.
Meanwhile, support in third countries, including
accommodation, food, and medical care, will continue until 2028. The government
is also scaling down accommodation support in the UK, reducing reliance on hotels
and ending the use of military housing facilities.
Additionally, review processes related to certain applicant
groups, including former Afghan special forces and injured local staff, have
been closed.
The changes signal a broader effort by the UK government to
conclude the resettlement programme, though concerns remain about whether
vulnerable Afghans will be able to meet the new requirements safely.
