UK Expands Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme for Family Reunification

The UK government has announced an expansion of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), allowing Afghan refugees evacuated to Britain to reunite with close family members left behind, Arab News reported on Tuesday.

According to the article, the initiative aims to assist those separated during the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces from Kabul in 2021.

Immigration Minister Seema Malhotra emphasized the moral obligation to reunite families, stating, “It is our duty to ensure that those tragically separated are not left at the mercy of the Taliban.” Under the expanded scheme, nearly 6,500 individuals, including women’s rights activists and journalists, have already been relocated to the UK.

Eligible relatives include spouses, partners, and children under 18 at the time of evacuation, as well as parents and siblings of unaccompanied minors. The previous Conservative government faced criticism for the slow relocation process, having initially pledged to accept 20,000 refugees over five years.

Charities and rights groups welcomed the announcement, with Refugee Council CEO Enver Solomon calling it “hugely welcome.” Gunes Kalkan from Safe Passage International noted that families have waited nearly three years for this opportunity, highlighting its life-changing potential for separated parents and children.