Written question asked by Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru) on Wednesday, 8 September 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 10 September 2021. It was answered by Amanda Milling (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 September 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Afghanistan: Asylum

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support British nationals and eligible Afghans to leave Afghanistan, transit third countries and reach the UK; and what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Pakistan, (b) Uzbekistan and (c) Tajikistan on that matter.

Answer: The former Foreign Secretary visited Qatar and Pakistan from 1-3 September. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon visited Uzbekistan and Tajikistan from 1-3 September. The former Foreign Secretary had a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan on 15 and 27 August, the Tajik Foreign Minister on 2 September, and the Uzbek Foreign Minister on 6 September. Lord Ahmad has additionally called the Deputy Foreign Minister of Tajikistan on 23 and 25 August and the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan on 25 August and the Deputy Foreign Minister on 8 September. Discussions focused on securing safe passage for those fleeing Afghanistan and advancing the government's international priorities. In addition, FCDO Rapid Deployment Teams have been sent to Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to reinforce our Embassy staff to process arrivals from Afghanistan.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 45246
Session: 2021-22
Subjects: Asylum Pakistan Afghanistan Diplomatic relations Uzbekistan Tajikistan
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk