Written question asked by Baroness Smith of Newnham (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 November 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 December 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Afghanistan: Resettlement

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what advice they are giving to those eligible to come to the UK under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy who are currently in Pakistan and whose visas have expired or will shortly expire.

Answer: We have received verbal assurances from the Government of Pakistan that Afghans supported in Pakistan under UK resettlement schemes will remain safe while they await relocation to the UK. We have suggested that eligible families take sensible precautions including when outside of their accommodation. We have also made them aware of how to respond if approached by the police, including providing contact details for the International Organization for Migration (IOM)/British High Commission. We have distributed letters to every eligible family to help ensure the Government of Pakistan are aware those individuals are under our protection.

Secondary information