Uncertain Future for Afghan Migrants in the UK as Pakistan Plans Expulsion

Hundreds of Afghans who worked with the UK in Afghanistan and fled from the Taliban are currently stranded in Pakistan, awaiting relocation to the UK. Many of them are living in fear as Pakistan cracks down on migrants without visas. Marzia, an English teacher for the British council who is heavily pregnant, has been waiting for a UK visa for eight months. She describes her physical and mental health as poor and explains that her life was in danger when the Taliban took over Afghanistan. These individuals are in Pakistan because the UK government asked them to come to process their visas. While they wait, they have no legal access to education or work. Marzia reveals that her passport was taken by UK authorities upon her arrival and her visa has since expired. She is concerned about giving birth in her hotel room without any assistance. Other individuals in a similar situation have been given the same advice by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to not leave their premises. However, the IOM denies giving such advice and instead states that individuals should leave information about their whereabouts when leaving the premises. These individuals are part of the UK government's Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). The UK government has committed to bringing eligible Afghans to the UK and has so far brought around 24,600 people to safety. However, the execution of these schemes has been slow, leaving many individuals in Afghanistan or waiting in Pakistan. The situation is further complicated by difficulties in leaving Afghanistan and obtaining a visa for Pakistan. The charity Sulha Alliance has reported that many individuals have been waiting for over a year, while some have been waiting for almost two years. The fear of arrest by Pakistani police has escalated, with reports of raids on hotels where Afghan refugees are staying. The situation has caused psychological problems and heightened stress among these individuals. Despite a message from British authorities promising action to resolve visa issues and incidents, those waiting remain anxious. The recent crackdown on illegal migrants by Pakistan authorities has further increased concerns. The UK government has not yet provided a response regarding the legal status of individuals on the ARAP and ACRS programs. The tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan has led to uncertainty for Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Individuals on the UK government schemes wait anxiously for news of their relocation to the UK, feeling abandoned and calling on the British government to act quickly.