Separated Afghan families to be reunited
Update Explained
The UK government has announced that Afghan families who were separated during the Kabul evacuation in August 2021 under Operation Pitting will have a chance to reunite. The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), under Pathway 1, has been expanded to allow Afghans resettled in the UK to refer their immediate family members for relocation. This includes children who were under 18 and spouses or partners at the time of evacuation. Moreover, children evacuated without their parents can refer their parents or siblings. The process opens with an online referral form available from July 30, 2024, and will remain open until October 30, 2024. In addition to completing the online form, family members will be required to attend a visa application centre for biometrics and travel document submission before receiving their visa to travel to the UK.
What changed
The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme now allows Afghans resettled in the UK under Pathway 1 to refer their immediate family members to join them.
Why it matters
Afghans who were evacuated to the UK without their immediate family can refer these family members for relocation, with expectations of reunification if eligibility criteria are met and biometrics are submitted.
Who is affected
- Afghans resettled in the UK under Pathway 1 of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme
- Separated family members of these Afghans, including children, spouses, or partners
Key dates
Referral Window Start
Jul 30, 2024
Online referral form available from this date
Referral Window End
Oct 30, 2024
Online referral form available until this date
Key details
- Immediate family members eligible for referral include children who were under 18 and spouses or partners at the time of evacuation.
- Children who were evacuated without their parents can refer their parents or siblings for relocation.
- Referred family members must attend a visa application centre to submit biometrics and travel documents.
Important notes
Additional family members may be considered in exceptional circumstances only.