An investigative feature by The Independent exposes the growing hardship faced by Afghan nationals cleared for relocation to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP). Since border crossings into Pakistan closed in May and the Ministry of Defence shifted to a ‘self-move’ requirement, hundreds of ex-commandos and interpreters have travelled to Tajikistan at their own expense, incurring hotel bills of up to $750 a month while waiting for UK visas. Families are being split: one former special-forces sergeant brought only three of his six children to Dushanbe because he could not afford their visas. Another applicant’s teenage son was deported by Tajik police while shopping for groceries. Visa fees have climbed to $2,000 each following Home Office tariff changes in July, leaving many in debt. Defence Committee chair Tan Dhesi MP warned that the policy undermines the UK’s moral obligation to allies and could breach Parliament’s own undertakings. The MoD insists flights will be funded once applicants reach a safe third country. For UK employers accustomed to recruiting ARAP arrivals into security and defence-sector roles, the backlog means a smaller talent pool and longer on-boarding cycles. Mobility teams sponsoring ex-Afghan staff should prepare to issue maintenance funds and mental-health support on arrival, given the trauma and debt many will carry.
Source: The Independent
