A number of former Afghan security personnel say their applications under the UK’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) have been rejected after years of waiting, leaving them facing difficult living conditions and ongoing security concerns.
In letters and messages, the former officers said they had worked directly or indirectly alongside British forces during their presence in Afghanistan. They claim to have submitted documents, photographs, videos, certificates of appreciation, and evidence of threats to support their applications.
According to the applicants, many cases were rejected for similar reasons, including the absence of proof of direct employment by the British government or the inability of authorities to verify submitted evidence.
The former officers identify themselves as members of Afghanistan’s former special forces, intelligence services, army, and police units. They argue that much of their cooperation with British forces occurred during wartime conditions and was often carried out without formal employment contracts.
The ARAP program was established in 2021 to relocate and support Afghan nationals who had worked alongside the British mission in Afghanistan.
The scheme was closed to new applications in July 2025.
Former Afghan officers say the closure occurred while many cases remained unresolved and numerous applicants continued to face security threats in Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
They have called on media organizations, human rights groups, and members of the British Parliament to independently review rejected applications and ensure that the United Kingdom fulfills its commitments to Afghan partners who supported British operations.
The issue continues to draw attention as former Afghan personnel seek protection and long-term solutions following the collapse of the former Afghan government and the return of the Taliban to power.
