Resettlement schemes
Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) provides a safe and legal way for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk people from Afghanistan to come to the United Kingdom and rebuild their lives.
Pathway 1
Under Pathway 1, vulnerable and at-risk individuals who arrived in the UK under the evacuation programme have been the first to be settled under the ACRS.
Eligible people who were notified by the UK government that they had been called forward with assurance of evacuation, but were not able to board flights, and do not hold leave in a country considered safe by the UK, are also eligible under Pathway 1.
Pathway 2
Under Pathway 2, we are now able to receive referrals from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) of vulnerable refugees who have fled Afghanistan for resettlement to the UK.
UNHCR has the global mandate to provide international protection and humanitarian assistance to refugees. UNHCR will refer individuals in accordance with their standard resettlement submission criteria, which are based on an assessment of protection needs and vulnerabilities.
Pathway 3
Pathway 3 was designed to offer a route to resettlement for those at risk who supported the UK and international community effort in Afghanistan, as well as those who are particularly vulnerable, such as women and girls at risk and members of minority groups.
In the first stage of this pathway, the government is considering eligible, at-risk people for resettlement from 3 groups:
- British Council contractors
- GardaWorld contractors
- Chevening alumni
There are 1,500 places available in the first stage under Pathway 3. This number includes the principal applicants and their eligible family members.
Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK government in Afghanistan in exposed or meaningful roles and may include an offer of relocation to the UK for those deemed eligible by the Ministry of Defence and who are deemed suitable for relocation by the Home Office.
More information is available in the Home Office guidance on funding healthcare in England in support of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy.
UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS)
The UKRS (UK Resettlement Scheme) resettles those who have fled from regions of conflict and instability. The scheme maintains the UK’s ongoing commitment to refugee resettlement, which continues to be an important part of the UK’s humanitarian response.
Under the UKRS, the UK will continue to offer a safe and legal route to vulnerable refugees in need of protection.
