UK tells Afghan refugees to leave country independently for relocation

The UK says Afghan refugees must leave Afghanistan independently to qualify for relocation, raising concerns over safety and delays for thousands awaiting transfer.

Britain says eligible Afghanistan refugees must leave independently, ending in-country evacuation support and increasing uncertainty for thousands awaiting relocation and protection abroad.

The United Kingdom has announced that Afghan refugees eligible for relocation must now leave Afghanistan on their own, as the government will no longer provide direct assistance for their departure. The policy shift marks a significant change in Britain’s resettlement approach, raising concerns about the safety of those still inside the country.

UK Defence Minister Luke Pollard told parliament that around 9,000 Afghan nationals remain eligible under relocation schemes and are awaiting transfer. However, he confirmed that applicants must first reach a third country independently before accessing visa processing and resettlement support, which will continue through 2028.

In recent months, some eligible Afghans have managed to relocate to neighboring countries such as Pakistan without official assistance. British authorities said the policy change reflects a reassessment of risks, financial considerations, and cases where individuals successfully exited Afghanistan through personal means.

The UK launched major evacuation and resettlement programs following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, when thousands of Afghans who worked with British forces or institutions were identified for relocation. While many were evacuated during the initial airlift, a large number remain stranded, facing delays and uncertainty.

Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that those left behind, including former staff, activists, and vulnerable individuals, continue to face serious security risks under Taliban rule. The lack of safe and legal exit routes has made relocation increasingly difficult, forcing many to rely on informal and often dangerous pathways.

The government maintains that support will still be available once individuals reach third countries, including assistance with visas, housing, and integration. However, critics argue that requiring refugees to self-evacuate places an unrealistic burden on people already at risk.

The decision has added to growing uncertainty for thousands of Afghan applicants, many of whom remain in precarious conditions. With no direct evacuation support, their prospects for safe relocation now depend largely on their ability to leave Afghanistan independently.

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