On 23 December 2021, government ministers confirmed the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme (ACRS) will open in January 2022. This means that up to 20,000 vulnerable Afghan women, children and others most at risk will have a safe and legal pathway to resettle in the UK.
The ACRS, also known as ‘Operation Warm Welcome’, will prioritise those who have assisted UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for British values such as democracy, women’s rights, freedom of speech and rule of law. It will also prioritise extremely vulnerable people such as women and girls and members of minority groups. All those resettled under the ACRS will be granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, which includes the right to work and study. Moreover, individuals can access free healthcare including mental health support so that they can rebuild their lives in a safe and stable environment here in the UK.
Local authorities have been given integration funding to support those starting a new life in the UK, with £20,520 per person provided over 3 years. They will also receive additional funding for children entering education, to cover English language provision, and to cover healthcare. So far, over 300 local authorities have pledged to support Afghan families resettling in the UK.
Operation Warm Welcome will transform the lives of many vulnerable Afghan citizens particularly those of women and children who have fled Afghanistan for a brighter and better future. The Minister for Afghan Resettlement, Victoria Atkins MP, will set out further detail on how the ACRS will operate in an update to Parliament this month.
At Elaahi & Co Solicitors, we specialise in understanding complex legal rules and providing you with clear, straightforward advice on how they apply to your case. If you need advice on whether you may be eligible to apply for settlement under the ACRS, contact our expert team of immigration lawyers by giving a call on 020 3930 3831. We are here to help you.