Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
We support the resettlement of Afghans through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.
The ARAP scheme was launched in April 2021. Under the scheme, any locally employed staff who worked with the British Forces in Afghanistan can apply for resettlement.
As part of Birmingham’s commitment, we have welcomed nearly all the 80 people promised, who will receive a range of support to rebuild their lives in Birmingham.
This support includes:
- housing
- school places
- access to healthcare
- learning the English language
- employment support
In December 2021, we approved the pledge to welcome more than 200 Afghan refugees under the ARAP scheme and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).
The Home Office funds both ARAP and ACRS programmes. This is in line with previous resettlement schemes, such as the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and the UK Resettlement Scheme.
Since 2015, Birmingham’s approach to refugee resettlement has been to procure services that help new arrivals to integrate into their new communities and settle into their new lives. People arriving through these schemes will have immediate, indefinite leave to remain and full access to public funds.
Page last updated: 1 July 2024
