Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is on the validity of indefinite leave to remain applications for individuals from Afghanistan who travelled to Afghanistan before August 2021; and if she will make a statement.

There are no application routes to apply for indefinite leave to remain from overseas. For those who were not called forward as part of Op Pitting, or who are not offered resettlement under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, they will need to apply to come to the UK under the existing economic or family migration rules. They will be expected to meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen route, which includes paying relevant fees and charges, and providing biometrics. However, there is currently no option to give biometrics in Afghanistan.

Individuals who are in third countries have the option of applying for a visa to the UK. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

For Afghan refugees in the UK, their close family members are free to apply for Family Reunion, but we recognise those in Afghanistan will face the same challenges in providing biometrics and so we do not recommend making applications at this time. Those in third countries are open to submit an application. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website:https://www.gov.uk/settlement-refugee-or-humanitarian-protection/family-reunion

The UK is working with international partners to secure safe routes out of Afghanistan as soon as they become available, but while the security situation remains extremely volatile, we recommend people in Afghanistan do not make applications and pay application fees at this time as they will not be considered until biometrics are provided.

The Home Office holds no data on the number of Afghan’s with indefinite leave to remain who remain in Afghanistan. Those who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK who are currently in Afghanistan should make themselves known to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).