The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) was introduced by the government on 6 January 2022. Its aim is to help those in need of protection come to the UK in a safe and legal manner.
Under this scheme, vulnerable individuals who have supported the UK’s efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for values such as democracy, women’s rights, and freedom of speech will be prioritised.
This is in addition to the pre-existing Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme. The ARAP scheme has offered many Afghan nationals who have worked in favour of the UK government and fulfilled the eligibility requirements, for settlement in the UK. An eligible Afghan citizen may include a partner, dependent children, and additional family members.
Those eligible through the ACRS scheme will receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK and will be able to apply for British citizenship in accordance with the current rulings in the UK. It’s important that appropriate accommodation can be secured before arrival in the UK as the ACRS will only facilitate these individuals. Afghan nationals will make up the majority of those resettled, but other nationals may also be eligible under the ACRS. Qualifying individuals, spouses or partners, and dependant children under the age of 18 will also be resettled. There may be circumstances applicable for certain additional family members. However, individuals who have committed war crimes, terrorism, or other serious crimes are not eligible.
The ACRS is not application-based; instead, individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will be referred for settlement in the UK through the following paths:
Pathway 1 applies to at-risk individuals who arrived in the UK under the evacuation programme and have been the first to be settled under the ACRS. Other eligible individuals who were notified by the UK government that they had been called forward with assurance of evacuation but were not able to board flights, for example, are also eligible under this pathway.
Pathway 2 applies to those who have been referred to the UK by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These individuals may be vulnerable refugees who have fled Afghanistan to resettle in the UK. UNHCR will refer those who meet their standard resettlement submission criteria.
Pathway 3 offers a route to resettlement for those at risk who supported the UK and international community efforts in Afghanistan, as well as those who are particularly vulnerable groups.
If you are an Afghan or non-Afghan citizen who has queries in regard to this scheme or an individual who requires assistance with any immigration matter, please feel free to contact Lumine Solicitors on 020 3950 2246 or Contact Us HERE
