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Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 17 January 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 31 January 2023. It was answered by Lord Murray of Blidworth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 February 2023 on behalf of the Home Office.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to develop, in conjunction with (1) the Refugee Council, and (2) Safe Passage, a system for reuniting Afghan families, as was done for Ukrainian families; and if not, why not.

Answer

In line with our existing policy, those resettled under Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) and relocated under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) may be able to be accompanied by their immediate family members.

The government remains committed to providing protection for vulnerable people fleeing Afghanistan. However, the situation is very complex and presents significant challenges, including how those who are eligible for resettlement in the UK can leave the country. This includes the eligible family members of those being resettled under the ACRS. For those evacuated from Afghanistan under the ACRS without their immediate family members, further information will be made available in due course about options for reuniting with them.

Those referred by UNHCR under the ACRS will have refugee status and will therefore be able to access the refugee family reunion route.

Those without refugee status wishing to bring family members would need to apply through the regular family visa route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4824
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Families Refugees Afghanistan Refugee Council Safe Passage UK
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk