LONDON: The UK will operate charter flights to transport Afghan refugees from Pakistan who were promised sanctuary in Britain.
About 3,250 refugees, who had collaborated with Western coalition forces and sought safety in Pakistan following the Taliban takeover, have been residing in UK government-funded hotels while awaiting permission to relocate to the UK. Some families have been waiting for nearly two years.
Although many had obtained UK visas in preparation for their journey to the UK, the documents have since expired due to delays in the UK’s Afghan refugee relocation programs. The decision to employ charter flights to relocate the refugees follows Pakistan’s announcement of its intent to deport illegal migrants after October 31, a deadline fixed by Pakistan for voluntary repatriation.
Among the Afghans in neighboring Pakistan are former translators who worked with the British Army and teachers employed by the British Council. According to UK government data, approximately 3,250 Afghans, including men, women, and children, are residing in temporary accommodations in Islamabad while awaiting decisions on their resettlement applications.
Afghan Refugees Children’s Education at Stake
Many lack the legal right to work in Pakistan, and their children are unable to access education due to a lack of documentation.
One refugee in Pakistan expressed concerns about the well-being of his family if they are not placed on one of the flights before the end of December. He said, “My wife is pregnant, and if we don’t travel soon, we may have to wait until next year.” The Independent reported that the first charter flight is expected to transport around 200 Afghans to the UK on Thursday.
It is said that at least 12 flights will be organized to relocate all 3,250 refugees by the end of the year. A government spokesperson stated, “The UK has made an ambitious and generous commitment to help at-risk people in Afghanistan, and so far, we have brought around 24,600 people to safety, including thousands of people eligible for our Afghan schemes.
