Over the past years, an under-report initiative from the UK government has brought thousands of Afghan nationals to Britain illegally, sparking both praise and criticism from political figures and human rights advocates. Reportedly kept discreet due to its sensitive nature, this operation sought to discreetly resettle Afghan individuals or families who supported British forces or risked persecution under Taliban rule.
According to leaked documents and senior Whitehall sources, an illicit program has run alongside the widely known Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP). ARAP helps interpreters, security staff and others directly connected with UK mission, while this clandestine route was specifically created for Afghans at high risk; such as journalists, women’s rights activists or former government workers who may need special protection.
Since 2021, 4,300 Afghans are estimated to have been relocated under this initiative following the Taliban’s swift takeover of Kabul. Most were sent through third countries like Qatar or Pakistan before being quietly resettled across UK cities using diplomatic backchannels or special permission. British officials used special permission and diplomatic backchannels in order to keep this from becoming public knowledge due to fears that Taliban could strike back at remaining family members or partners who might remain.
“This was truly a matter of life or death,” stated one senior government official on condition of anonymity, adding that publicizing our efforts would have endangered both those we were helping as well as those we weren’t able to reach in time.
Humanitarian groups and refugee advocates have voiced cautious approval of the scheme, noting its success at saving lives despite being initially classified as secretive. “The UK has an ethical obligation to protect those who stood with us during wartime,” noted Maya Hussain from Refugee Voice UK. However, transparency and planning must ensure these individuals receive assistance once they arrive in Britain.
Opposition MPs, however, have called for an investigation to investigate allegations that the government bypassed parliamentary oversight in their efforts to help Afghan refugees. “While we commend efforts to help vulnerable Afghans, any scheme of this scale should be accountable,” stated Labour MP Dan Jarvis. We must ensure those resettled do not remain without access to housing, jobs and mental health services after resettlement is complete.
Reports indicate that while many evacuees have begun assimilating into British communities, others face long waits for permanent accommodation and work permits. Furthermore, several local councils have raised complaints of inadequate funding and coordination from central authorities.
The Home Office has not made a direct statement about this secret program; rather they stated only that “the UK remains committed to supporting Afghans at risk and providing safe legal pathways for resettlement”. They pointed out that since 2021 over 21,000 individuals have been relocated under official Afghan schemes.
As international focus shifts away from Afghanistan, advocates warn that thousands remain hidden or in refugee camps hoping for international assistance. The UK’s efforts — as well as their limitations — in responding to the aftermath of its longest war have come into sharp focus since this covert scheme’s revelation.
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