UK Abruptly Ends Afghan Resettlement Programs, Sparking Humanitarian Concerns

UK Abruptly Ends Afghan Resettlement Programs, Sparking Humanitarian Concerns
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The UK government has unexpectedly halted its Afghan resettlement programs, leaving thousands of vulnerable Afghans at risk and drawing sharp criticism from humanitarian groups, Khaama Press reported. The Ministry of Defence’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) closed to new applications on July 1, 2025, with a cutoff applying only to those who applied between April 1, 2021, and July 1, 2025.

Simultaneously, the Home Office ended new intakes under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), which assisted vulnerable Afghans linked to British civil and military operations. With both schemes now closed, no legal pathways remain for new Afghan applicants seeking UK protection.

Human rights advocates condemned the move as a betrayal. Gunesh Kalkan, head of a refugee support charity, warned that the closure puts children and families in danger. Dr. Sara de Jong, a refugee rights advocate, criticized the abrupt announcement, noting it came less than 30 minutes before the deadline, leaving many applicants uncertain.

Since their inception, over 21,000 Afghans have been resettled through these programs, but administrative delays and errors have left many eligible individuals stranded. Advocacy groups call for urgent reinstatement of safe migration routes and a full review of the UK’s resettlement policies.