Afghanistan

Lancashire has committed to resettle 360 people under the Afghan Relations and Assistance Policy and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. 

Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)

The ARAP went live on 1 April 2021. The scheme offers relocation or other assistance to former locally employed staff in Afghanistan, to reflect the changing situation in Afghanistan.

• See further information on eligibility criteria, offer details and how to apply in the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy on GOV.UK.
• Guidance for local authorities participating in the scheme is available in the Afghan relocation and assistance: funding instruction on GOV.UK.

Participating district councils

All 12 local district councils are currently participating in the ARAP. Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council are also participating in the scheme.

Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)

The ACRS was formally opened on the 6 January 2022. The scheme prioritises those who have assisted the UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for values such as democracy, women’s rights, freedom of speech, the rule of law, and vulnerable people, including women and girls at risk, and members of minority groups at risk.

• Information about the roles and responsibilities of participating councils, is available in the Funding Instruction for local authorities in the support of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy on GOV.UK

Participating district councils

All 12 local district councils are currently participating in the ARAP. Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council are also participating in the scheme.

ARAP and ACRS figures

As of 14 June 2022, Lancashire has resettled 183 people out of the 360 pledged under the ARAP and ACRS.