Key Takeaways
• UK launches £850m scheme to relocate up to 7,000 Afghans and families after 2022 data breach.
• ARAP and ACRS closed to new applications as of July 1, 2025; existing applications will be processed.
• Legal firm Barings Law represents 1,000 affected individuals preparing lawsuits against UK government.
Thousands of Afghans who supported British forces are being relocated to the UK 🇬🇧 under a newly revealed £850m scheme, after a major data breach put their lives at risk. The UK government disclosed the program on July 15, 2025, following the lifting of a legal order that had kept the effort secret for over a year.
The scheme, set up in 2024 by the previous Conservative government, aims to move up to 7,000 Afghans and their families to safety. This action follows a 2022 incident where the personal data of nearly 20,000 Afghans—many of whom had applied for UK relocation after the Taliban takeover—was accidentally leaked and later published online. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) only learned about the breach in 2023, after parts of the list appeared on Facebook.
Why the Relocation Scheme Was Needed
The data leak exposed thousands of Afghans who had worked with British forces, making them targets for Taliban retaliation. The Taliban considers those who helped foreign troops as traitors, putting these individuals and their families in immediate danger. The UK government responded by launching a large-scale relocation effort, dedicating £850 million to the scheme.
The breach not only increased the urgency to relocate those already eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), but also widened the pool of people seeking help. Before the leak, only about 10–15% of those on the list would have qualified for support under existing rules. Now, many more are being considered for relocation due to the heightened risk.
How the Scheme Works and Who Is Covered
The relocation scheme is designed to move up to 7,000 Afghans, though the total number affected by the breach is closer to 20,000. The program covers:
- Afghans who worked with British forces between 2001 and 2021
- Their spouses or partners
- Dependent children under 18
- In some cases, additional family members if approved by the MoD and Home Office
Eligible individuals must pass security screening, biometric enrollment, and background checks. Anyone with a history of war crimes, terrorism, or other serious offenses is not eligible for relocation.
The government has removed the previous requirement for settled accommodation before relocation, making it easier for those at risk to leave Afghanistan quickly. Once an ARAP offer is accepted, individuals have 30 days to apply for the relocation of additional family members.
Closure of ARAP and ACRS: What It Means
Both the ARAP and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) closed to new applications on July 1, 2025. This means:
- No new principal applications are accepted under either scheme.
- All applications received before July 1, 2025, will still be processed.
- Those already in the system will be contacted for further steps, including security and biometric checks.
For more information on the ARAP program and its requirements, readers can visit the official UK government ARAP page.
The Data Breach: What Happened and Its Impact
The 2022 data breach happened when the MoD mishandled sensitive information, losing control of a list containing names and details of Afghans seeking UK relocation. Extracts from this list were published online, and the MoD only became aware of the problem in 2023 after the data appeared on Facebook.
This breach put thousands of Afghans and their families in danger. Some individuals named on the list are known to have been killed, though it is not clear if their deaths were directly linked to the leak. An independent review found little evidence that the leaked data increased the risk to those affected, but the fear and uncertainty remain high among the community.
Official Response and Legal Action
The Ministry of Defence is leading the relocation scheme, while the Home Office handles security and biometric checks. The law firm Barings Law represents about 1,000 affected individuals and is preparing legal action against the government for the breach.
Adnan Malik, head of data protection at Barings Law, criticized the MoD for trying to keep the breach secret. He said, “The government’s attempt to conceal this breach has put lives at risk and caused severe distress to those affected.”
The current Labour government lifted the legal order, known as a superinjunction, that had kept the scheme and the breach hidden from the public. Officials have promised greater transparency and support for those impacted.
What Affected Afghans Need to Know
For Afghans affected by the breach and seeking relocation to the UK 🇬🇧, here are the key steps and requirements:
- Eligibility: Must have worked with British forces or be an immediate family member of someone who did.
- Security Checks: All applicants must pass security and background checks.
- Family Members: Eligible to bring a spouse/partner and children under 18. In special cases, other relatives may be included.
- Application Deadline: Only applications received before July 1, 2025, are being processed.
- 30-Day Window: After accepting an ARAP offer, applicants have 30 days to request relocation for additional family members.
Those seeking help should consult the official UK government ARAP guidance for the latest updates and contact details.
Support and Compensation
The UK government has said it will provide compensation and support to those affected by the breach. The total cost to taxpayers is expected to rise, not only because of the £850m scheme but also due to legal claims and ongoing support needs.
Legal experts and advocacy groups have strongly criticized the government’s handling of the breach and the delay in making it public. Many believe the government should have acted sooner to protect those at risk.
Background: How the UK Helped Afghans After the Taliban Takeover
The ARAP and ACRS were set up after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. These programs aimed to protect Afghans who had helped UK 🇬🇧 forces during the 20-year conflict. Many of these individuals worked as interpreters, guides, or in other support roles, making them targets for Taliban revenge.
The ARAP program opened in April 2021 and focused on relocating those who had worked directly with British forces. The ACRS was designed to help other vulnerable Afghans, such as women’s rights activists and journalists. Both programs have now closed to new applications, but those already in the system will continue to be processed.
How the Scheme Is Being Implemented
The Ministry of Defence is responsible for identifying eligible Afghans and managing the relocation process. The Home Office conducts security and biometric checks to ensure the safety of those coming to the UK 🇬🇧 and the wider public.
Key steps in the process include:
- Application Review: All applications received before July 1, 2025, are reviewed for eligibility.
- Security Screening: Applicants undergo background checks and biometric enrollment.
- Family Inclusion: Eligible individuals can apply to bring immediate family members and, in some cases, other relatives.
- Relocation: Once cleared, individuals and their families are relocated to the UK 🇬🇧.
- Support Services: The government provides support, including housing, financial assistance, and help with integration.
The government has also removed the requirement for settled accommodation before relocation, making it easier for those at risk to leave Afghanistan quickly.
Legal and Political Reactions
The disclosure of the £850m scheme has sparked debate in Parliament and among advocacy groups. Some lawmakers have praised the government for finally acting to protect those at risk, while others have criticized the delay and lack of transparency.
Barings Law, representing about 1,000 affected Afghans, is pursuing legal action against the government. They argue that the data breach and the government’s slow response have caused real harm.
An official statement to Parliament is expected soon, outlining the government’s response and future plans for those still at risk.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the relocation scheme, many challenges remain:
- Trust Issues: The data breach has damaged trust in the UK’s ability to protect sensitive information and the people it promised to help.
- Processing Delays: With thousands of applications to review, there are concerns about how quickly people can be moved to safety.
- Family Separation: Some families may be split if not all members are approved for relocation.
- Legal Uncertainty: Ongoing legal action could affect how compensation and support are provided.
Advocacy groups are calling for faster processing, more support for those left behind, and stronger data protection measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What Happens Next?
The UK government is expected to make a formal statement to Parliament in the coming days, addressing the breach and the relocation scheme. Legal proceedings and compensation claims are likely to continue, with close attention on how the government handles the fallout.
The closure of ARAP and ACRS means that no new principal applications will be accepted. However, the processing and relocation of those already in the system will continue. The government has promised to provide regular updates and support to affected individuals.
Practical Guidance for Affected Afghans
If you or your family are affected by the data breach and seeking relocation to the UK 🇬🇧:
- Check your eligibility under ARAP by reviewing the official UK government guidance.
- Contact legal representatives if you believe your data was leaked or if you need help with your application. Barings Law and other firms are actively supporting affected individuals.
- Respond quickly if you receive an ARAP offer, as you have only 30 days to apply for additional family members.
- Stay informed by following updates from the Ministry of Defence and Home Office.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Data Breach Year: 2022
- Number of Afghans Affected: About 19,000–20,000
- Number Being Relocated: Up to 7,000
- Scheme Cost: £850 million
- ARAP and ACRS Closure Date: July 1, 2025
- Current Status: Processing existing applications; no new principal applications
- Legal Action: Ongoing, with about 1,000 claimants represented by Barings Law
- Government Statement: Expected soon
Conclusion: What This Means for Afghans and the UK
The UK’s £850m scheme to relocate thousands of Afghans is a major response to a serious data breach that put lives at risk. While the government has taken steps to protect those affected, the incident has raised important questions about data security, transparency, and the country’s commitment to those who helped its forces.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, with legal claims, ongoing relocations, and calls for better support and protection for Afghans still at risk. The government’s next steps will be closely watched by affected families, advocacy groups, and the wider public.
For the most up-to-date information and support, individuals should visit the official UK government ARAP page or seek help from qualified legal representatives. The hope is that, despite the challenges, those who stood by the UK 🇬🇧 in Afghanistan will find safety and a new start in their new home.
Learn Today
Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) → UK government program to relocate Afghans who supported British forces, closed to new applicants July 2025.
Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) → UK initiative to resettle vulnerable Afghan citizens, including activists and journalists, closed to new applications July 2025.
Data Breach → Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive personal information that endangered Afghans working with UK forces.
Biometric Enrollment → Process of collecting biometric data like fingerprints to verify applicants’ identity for security screening.
Superinjunction → A legal order preventing public disclosure of information about the UK relocation scheme until July 2025.
This Article in a Nutshell
After a 2022 data breach endangered thousands of Afghans allied with UK forces, a new £850m scheme offers relocation. The program covers 7,000 people, including families, with tightened security. ARAP and ACRS closed new applications in July 2025 while existing cases proceed amid legal actions.
— By VisaVerge.com
