Sir Julian Lewis:  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she plans to take to assist people from Afghanistan who (a) formally assisted UK armed forces and (b) have been cleared by the Ministry of Defence as qualifying for the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme to complete the visa process necessary to enter the UK from (i) Afghanistan, (ii) a neighbouring country and (iii) a safe third country.  [148520]

[Due for Answer on 23 February]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Immigration (Robert Jenrick): Afghan citizens and their family members who are assessed as eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) are referred by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to the Home Office for permission to enter the UK subject to the enrolment of biometrics and security checks.

Whilst there is currently no option to enrol biometrics in Afghanistan, we are working with the authorities in neighbouring countries and with international partners to carry out biometric enrolment in as efficient a manner as possible.

Applications are assessed against the Immigration Rules by the Home Office with entry clearance issued to those who are eligible for relocation to the UK. This allows for flight and accommodation arrangements to be made.

It is vital that those arriving have somewhere suitable to stay once they’re in the UK. We are working at pace with Local Authorities and other partners to source suitable accommodation.