I asked HMG whether they will accelerate the conclusion of requests for resettlement by Afghan interpreters and other personnel employed by the UK, either by offering refugee states in the UK, or by assisted resettlement in other countries.
Lord Astor of Hever gave me the following reply :” The ex-gratia redundancy scheme includes an offer of relocation to the UK for locally employed Afghan staff who meet the relevant eligibility criteria. Staff are relocated through a bespoke immigration arrangement, not connected to the UK refugee system. This system ensures that identity, health and security conce5ns are addressed without unreasonable delays. There are no plans to offer Afghan staff refugee status, which would not be appropriate to their circumstances.”
This matter has not been treated with the urgency it deserves. British reputation is suffering as a result.