Son of Afghan exposed in UK data breach warns family will be killed if deported

The UK has shut all safe and legal routes for Afghan nationals, closing the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the final strand of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) with immediate effect on July 1, 2025. The decision—announced with only hours’ notice—leaves thousands of Afghans, including people exposed by UK data breaches and those fearing Taliban reprisals, without protection or a pathway to safety. In one recent case, the son of an Afghan caught in a UK data breach warned his family may be killed if deported.

Government officials say the schemes have run their course and resources must shift to “national security priorities.” The Home Office and Ministry of Defence will process only applications submitted before the 3pm, July 1, 2025 cutoff. No new applications are being accepted for ARAP or ACRS. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the abrupt closure has left thousands in limbo while about 22,000 pending cases remain in the system. Afghans at risk must now rely on the slower, general asylum route.

Policy changes and background

ARAP and ACRS were launched after the fall of Kabul in 2021. Since then, over 34,000 Afghans have arrived in the UK through these routes, including people who supported British operations and those identified as at risk under ACRS.

On July 1, 2025, the government ended ARAP and the last ACRS pathway—UNHCR resettlement referrals—effectively ending Afghan-specific resettlement to the UK. The Home Office guidance confirms that only cases lodged before the cutoff will continue under these schemes. The official policy page remains online for reference: GOV.UK ARAP guidance.

Under current rules:

• Immediate family (spouses and children under 18) may still be considered for relocation only if the principal ARAP or ACRS application was filed before the cutoff.
• Decisions must consider the best interests of children, although that does not guarantee protection if the principal applicant is refused.
• The Ministry of Defence reserves the right to withdraw eligibility if new evidence emerges.

The closure aligns with the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025 (introduced January 30, 2025), which strengthens border enforcement and increases penalties for irregular entry. Ministers say the bill will reduce small boat crossings and restore control of the system. Critics argue the plan removes safe routes and pushes people toward dangerous journeys.

Policy context highlights:

• The Labour government repealed the Safety of Rwanda Act 2024 and dropped offshore processing, but has not reopened Afghan resettlement routes.
• Work on “fairer” family reunion rules is underway, but these do not restore Afghan-specific pathways.

Data and trends

Recent statistics paint a mixed picture:

• As of March 31, 2025, 109,500 people were waiting for an asylum decision (down from 124,000 at the end of 2024).
• In 2024, the UK returned 9,200 refused asylum seekers—the highest since 2011.
  • Of all returns in 2024, 27% were asylum seekers.
  • 71% of returns were voluntary.
• Afghan nationals are now the most common group crossing the Channel in small boats, a trend observers expect to increase as safe routes remain closed.

NGOs, refugee groups, and legal practitioners have condemned the shutdown as reckless. They warn that Afghans whose identities were leaked through UK data breaches face heightened risk of targeted harm if returned, yet no longer have a dedicated route to reach safety. The Migration Observatory notes long waits make it harder for people to settle and find work and that removing Afghan pathways is likely to push more people toward irregular travel, with higher humanitarian risks.

“Closing ARAP and ACRS undermines trust with former partners and leaves many who worked with British forces exposed.” — Human rights advocates

Immediate impact on applicants

The closure has immediate and severe effects for Afghans who remain in danger:

• No legal Afghan-specific route: With ARAP and ACRS closed, those at risk—including data breach victims—must use the general asylum process. There is no fallback to ARAP/ACRS if an asylum claim fails.
• Risk of removal: People whose asylum claims are refused and who have no pending appeals are liable for deportation, even if return to Afghanistan exposes them to serious harm.
• Family separation pressure: Family members can only be considered if the main case was filed before the July 1 cutoff. This cutoff is strict and blocks new principal claims.
• Increased danger on routes to safety: With safe channels blocked, more Afghans may attempt the Channel crossing, increasing risks of exploitation, injury, or death.

Practical next steps for Afghans seeking protection

For Afghans now seeking protection, the procedural path is narrow but defined:

1. Apply for asylum: Submit a claim on arrival or while in the UK.
2. Screening and interview: The Home Office takes biometrics and conducts interviews.
3. Evidence of risk: Provide documents, testimonies, and any proof of threats or persecution.
4. Decision: The Home Office decides the case; if refused, there may be a right of appeal.
5. End of process: If appeals are exhausted and no other relief applies, removal is possible.
6. No ARAP/ACRS safety net: These schemes are closed; the asylum route is the only option.

Advice from legal groups and advocates:

• Seek legal advice promptly.
• Keep and preserve all evidence of risk (documents, communications, witness statements).
• Prepare for long waits and potential appeals.
• If you had an ARAP/ACRS application, confirm it was filed before 3pm on July 1, 2025 to remain in scope.

Legal and humanitarian concerns

Legal organisations argue the UK still has duties under international refugee law and special responsibility where its own actions (such as data breaches) may have increased risk to people’s lives. Human rights advocates warn the closure undermines trust with former partners and leaves many who worked with British forces exposed.

The Migration Observatory stresses that long processing times and unstable status:

• Harm people’s chances of finding work and building a stable life.
• Affect communities and local services.
• Increase the likelihood of irregular travel and humanitarian crises.

Important warning: For those exposed by UK data breaches, the threat is immediate. Many report they could be targeted quickly if returned. Advocates emphasise urgent legal support and protection measures for these cases.

Outlook and closing note

Officials have given no indication that ARAP or ACRS will reopen. Absent a policy shift, Afghans must rely on asylum alone—even as returns rise and Channel crossings continue. NGOs continue to press for a safe route and for safeguards for those harmed by past errors, but the outlook remains uncertain.

Behind the statistics are families in limbo—people who once had a clear path now facing a maze of interviews, appeals, and deadlines while keeping watch over threats back home. The warning from one family—“we may be killed if deported”—now echoes across many Afghan cases, underscoring the human stakes of these policy changes.