Home Secretary Issues Eviction Notices to Afghan Refugees

The guardian reported this Tuesday that Afghan refugee families, including a special forces soldier and a political adviser, who were resettled in Yorkshire after being airlifted out of Kabul, have received eviction notices from Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

This marks the fourth time these families have been forced to relocate since arriving in the UK in August 2021 under Operation Pitting, which aimed to safeguard those who had worked closely with British authorities.

The eviction letters were sent after the UK government’s announcement in March that all 8,000 Afghans in temporary bridging accommodation or hotels must accept the first offer of housing from the Home Office.

The notices stated that failure to vacate the properties by the specified date would render them trespassers subject to eviction by the Home Secretary.

The affected families, who have been attempting to secure housing on their own, faced delays and bureaucratic hurdles within the Home Office and local councils.

They voiced frustration over their relocation from London to Yorkshire, leaving behind jobs and contacts, which compounded the challenges of finding suitable housing.

The Home Office, however, stated that hotels were never intended as long-term housing solutions for resettled Afghans.

They emphasized their commitment to expedite the resettlement process and allocate suitable housing, encouraging Afghan families to accept offers.

In cases where offers are declined or unavailable, the government pledged increased support to help individuals find their own homes and rebuild their lives in the UK.