UK Expands Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme for Family Reunification

The UK government has announced an expansion of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) to facilitate the reunion of Afghan refugees with close family members left behind in Afghanistan. This decision is aimed at addressing the humanitarian impact of the chaotic evacuation of Western forces from Kabul in 2021.

Immigration Minister Seema Malhotra emphasized the moral responsibility of the UK to reunite families and protect those at risk from the Taliban. “It is our moral duty to ensure that families who were tragically separated are reunited and are not left at the mercy of the Taliban,” Malhotra said. “Afghans did right by us, and we will do right by them, ensuring our system is fair and supports those most at risk and vulnerable.”

Under the expanded scheme, close relatives of Afghan refugees who were relocated to the UK will now be eligible to apply for resettlement. This includes spouses, partners, and children who were under the age of 18 at the time of the evacuation, as well as parents and siblings of children who traveled to the UK without their families.

The ACRS, initially launched by the previous Conservative government, had pledged to accept 20,000 refugees over five years. The scheme has so far brought nearly 6,500 people to the UK, including women’s rights activists, journalists, and prosecutors. The expansion comes in response to criticism of the slow relocation process and the urgent need to address family separations.

The announcement has been met with positive responses from charities and rights groups. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, described the expansion as “hugely welcome” and highlighted its importance for families who have been apart for nearly three years. Gunes Kalkan, head of campaigns for Safe Passage International, called the move “life-changing” for the parents and children who have endured prolonged separation.

The new policy aims to provide a pathway for those still in Afghanistan to join their relatives in the UK, offering a crucial lifeline to families who have faced significant challenges since the Taliban’s return to power. The UK government’s swift action is expected to alleviate some of the distress experienced by these families and support their integration into British society.