The formal evacuation of UK nationals and eligible Afghans from Afghanistan has ended, but confusion persists over how many eligible people remain and what their options are. The UK government has outlined three categories for evacuation: UK nationals and their dependants, those eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap), and the newer Afghanistan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme.
Under Arap, which began in April, Afghan nationals who worked for UK forces or the UK presence in Afghanistan are eligible. However, eligibility has been contentious, with 125 Afghan guards initially rejected before the decision was reversed. The resettlement scheme is expected to provide more details this week, particularly regarding qualifications, with a focus on vulnerable groups like women and girls.
Close to 15,000 people were evacuated from Kabul airport since mid-August, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stating that 13,000 Afghans were removed in August and 3,000 since April. Wallace estimated 800 to 1,100 Arap applicants remain in Afghanistan, but MPs suggest at least 7,000 eligible or potentially eligible people are still there, including an unknown number of UK nationals.
Eligibility for dependants under Arap is limited to spouses or partners and children under 18, as per immigration rules. For those remaining, the only advice is to cross into a neighbouring country to reach UK processing hubs, but this depends on Taliban acquiescence and remains risky and expensive. Ministers have not ruled out the possibility of the Taliban allowing more air departures from Kabul, though this is uncertain.
