Still Waiting: the Afghans Abandoned by the UK
Three years since the Taliban took over Kabul, which sparked an unprecedented human rights crisis in the country, the situation in Afghanistan remains as urgent as ever. Despite promises from the UK Government to provide safe routes, the Afghan resettlement schemes remain deeply flawed, leaving many Afghans in danger or forced to take life-threatening journeys to reach family.
As part of the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative (APBI), a legal project supporting Afghans trying to reach safety and family in the UK run by Safe Passage International and Refugee Legal Support, we are publishing today (30th October 2024) our annual report ‘Still Waiting: The Afghans Abandoned by the UK.’
This report draws from research conducted by APBI and our experience working with Afghan refugees. It makes clear recommendations to the Government:
Increase flexibility in documentation requirements.
Revise biometric submission processes.
Ensure consistent and transparent communications on applications.
Reform Afghan Resettlement Schemes, including setting realistic eligibility thresholds, accelerating the resettlement of those who qualify, and standardising family reunion policies to prevent further separation of loved ones.
You can read the full report and executive summary below.