Afghanistan Locally Employed Staff Ex-Gratia Scheme
The ex-gratia scheme started in 2013 to offer training, financial assistance (in-country) and relocation offers limited to Afghans who worked directly for the UK Government on or after 1 May 2006 and had worked for more than 12 months when they were made redundant or resigned. You can read about the UK Government’s information on Afghanistan Locally Employed Staff Ex-Gratia Scheme here. If you think you are eligible for relocation under this scheme, the UK Government strongly recommends that you apply under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).
Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) was launched on 1 April 2021 to offer relocation or other assistance limited to any current and former locally employed staff who are at risk of serious threat to life in Afghanistan, regardless of their role, employment status and length of service. If you think you are eligible, you can apply from any country including Afghanistan. You can read the UK government’s information on the ARAP scheme here.
Afghan Citizens Resettlement scheme
This scheme aims to resettle Afghans who are at risk of persecution and identified as in need of protection, including those who assisted the UK government efforts to promote democracy and rule of law in Afghanistan for example judges, journalists, politicians, activists and those who are at risk because of sexual orientation, gender, ethnic and religious identity. The scheme opened on 6 January 2022. It is important to note that there is no application process for this scheme which means you cannot apply for this scheme. Find out more about the UK government’s Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and the selection process here.
The UK Asylum system
The UK is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and has an asylum system for people who have fled persecution and who need to claim asylum in the UK. You have to be in the UK to claim asylum.
If you are in Scotland:
- Phone Migrant Help’s Helpline 0808 8010 503 (request an interpreter) for information about Home Office asylum support and assistance with making asylum applications.
- Phone the Scottish Refugee Council’s Helpline 0808 196 7274 (request an interpreter) for initial advice, information and advocacy.
- Seek legal advice from a qualified legal representative.