UK plans to expedite relocation of Afghan staff

Published June 1, 2021
This file photo shows British troops with Nato-led Resolute Support Mission forces in Kabul. — AP
This file photo shows British troops with Nato-led Resolute Support Mission forces in Kabul. — AP

LONDON: Britain on Monday announced plans to accelerate its relocation of Afghan staff who worked with the military and their families ahead of a planned withdrawal of US-led Nato forces.

Under Britain’s relocation scheme for former and current Afghan staff, many of whom served as translators, over 1,300 workers and their families have been brought to the UK. More than 3,000 Afghans are expected to be resettled under the accelerated plans.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said it was “only right” to speed up the plans with former Afghan staff at risk of reprisals from the Taliban and other insurgent forces in the country.

“With Western powers leaving, the threat is increasing, including targeted attacks by the Taliban,” Wallace said.

Local staff who served with British forces had “sacrificed a lot to look after us and now is the time to do the same”, he said.

The government had a “moral obligation” to relocate staff and to “recognise the risks they faced in the fight against terrorism and reward their efforts”, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said.

“I’m pleased that we are meeting this fully, by providing them and their families the opportunity to build a new life in this country,” she added.

Britain and other Nato members have been under pressure from campaigners to relocate the thousands of local staff who served with them during two decades of conflict.

In Afghanistan, former workers for the alliance have warned that they, and their families, will be targeted by the Taliban ahead of a US deadline to remove the 2,500 troops and 16,000 civilian contractors.

Last month President Joe Biden ordered the exit, to bring to a close US on-the-ground involvement in a war that began following the September 11, 2001 attacks by an Afghanistan-based Al Qaeda.

Other Nato forces, including 750 British troops who are predominantly in the capital Kabul, are to withdraw alongside the US.

Britain’s approach to the relocation of its former staff in Afghanistan had been criticised for strict criteria around who could apply to live in the UK, and considered factors such as length of service and precise roles.

But a policy unveiled in April now means any current or former locally employed staff assessed to be under serious threat to life will be offered priority relocation to Britain, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...
Tribunals’ failure
Updated 19 Nov, 2024

Tribunals’ failure

With election tribunals having failed to fulfil their purpose, it isn't surprising that Pakistan has not been able to stabilise.
Balochistan MPC
19 Nov, 2024

Balochistan MPC

WHILE immediate threats to law and order must be confronted by security forces, the long-term solution to...
Firm tax measures
19 Nov, 2024

Firm tax measures

FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is ready to employ force to make everyone and every sector in Pakistan pay their...